Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 9)

February 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks for a way around Phoenix Suns forward Ish Wainright (12) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

• We’ve made our Celtics vs Suns prediction for Saturday night
• Saturday’s NBA odds favor Jayson Tatum and Boston on the road
• Read below for Celtics vs Suns predictions, odds and player props to bet on

The Boston Celtics (48-14) will visit the Phoenix Suns (37-26) Saturday night at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised nationally on ABC.

The Celtics opened as 5.5-point road favorites with an over/under of 226.5 points. NBA player accessories are also released, with oddsmakers projecting big performances from key players Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant.

Let’s move on to our Celtics vs Suns prediction, as we analyze the game’s odds and provide the best NBA player props to bet on.

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns odds

In the Celtics vs Suns odds for Saturday, Boston is the moneyline favorite -210which gives them an implied win probability of 68%.

Odds as of March 9, 2024 at BetMGM Sportsbook. Claim it BetMGM promo code bet on Celtics vs Suns on ABC. North Carolina residents can pre-register at BetMGM North Carolina for a unique registration offer,

Celtics Betting Trends

The Celtics are looking to bounce back after suffering their first two-game losing streak of the season. Boston had its 11-game winning streak snapped in a stunning 105-104 loss at Cleveland on Tuesday, blowing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. They followed that up with a 115-109 loss at Denver on Thursday despite 41 points and 14 rebounds from Jaylen Brown.

Before the mini-skid, the Celtics were in great shape, winning 11 in a row and 17 of 18 overall. During the 11-game streak, Boston went 7-4 against the spread (ATS) and averaged 124.5 points per game.

TONIGHT ☘️ Celtics at @Suns

⏰ 8:30 p.m. EST
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– Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 9, 2024

The Celtics are an offensive juggernaut led by superstar duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum is one of the favorites in the NBA MVP odds, averaging over 30 points per game, while Brown is an elite second option who can take over when needed, as evidenced by his 41-point explosion against Denver.

The addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday took Boston’s offense to another level. Porzingis provides floor spacing and rim protection, while Holiday fits well as a two-way playmaker. The Celtics starting five, with those four plus Derrick White, is the best unit in the NBA.

For the season, the Celtics have the best record in the NBA with 48-14. They rank first in the league in offensive rating (120.8 points per 100 possessions), second in defensive rating (110.1) and first in net rating (+10.7). Boston is 29-32-1 ATS overall and 12-15-3 ATS on the road.

Celtics injury report

• Jayson Tatum (ankle) likely
• Jaylen Brown (sacroiliac) questionable

Suns Betting Trends

The Suns enter this game on a two-game winning streak after beating Denver 117-107 in overtime on Tuesday and Toronto 120-113 on Thursday. Kevin Durant led the way in both wins, scoring 35 points in each game.

Phoenix has won six of its last eight games overall to improve to 37-26 on the season, good for sixth place in the Western Conference. The Suns are 25-36-2 ATS on the year, including a dismal 12-21-1 ATS at home.

The Suns rank seventh in the NBA in offensive rating (117.1) and 17th in defensive rating (114.1) for a net rating of +3.0 (10th). They play at the second slowest pace in the league.

The Suns are hoping Devin Booker returns to the lineup after missing the last three games with a sprained ankle. Booker’s availability completely changes the dynamic of this matchup, as he forms a nearly unstoppable offensive trio with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Even if Booker can’t go, the Suns still have enough firepower to keep up with the Celtics. Durant has been on a tear since joining Phoenix, averaging 29.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists since arriving at last year’s deadline. He’s a nightmare for any defender with his size and skill.

The X-factor for Phoenix might be Grayson Allen, who has been on fire from three-point range. Allen has made 15 triples in his last two games and is shooting a blistering 47.5% from deep this season. His ability to space the court is crucial to the Suns’ offense.

Suns injury report

• Devin Booker (ankle) questionable
• Josh Okogie (abdomen) out

Celtics vs Suns Player Accessories

Celtics vs Suns player props are available on a wide variety of sports betting apps. Oddsmakers expect Tatum and Durant to light up the scoresheet on Saturday, as both stars have projected point totals close to 30.

NBA player accessories collected from various best sports betting apps.

An interesting player prop to consider is Kristaps Porzingis with over 21.5 points. Porzingis has been on a tear lately, scoring over 21.5 points in each of his last five games. With his ability to stretch the court and score inside, he should have plenty of opportunities against the Suns defense.

Another prop to watch is Kevin Durant under 28.5 points. While Durant has been sensational since joining the Suns, the Celtics have the defensive personnel to make things difficult for him. With long, versatile defenders like Tatum, Brown and Porzingis, Boston might be able to limit Durant’s effectiveness and keep him under his scoring prop.

For a higher risk, higher reward option, consider Grayson Allen on 3.5 three-point shots. Allen has been red hot from deep, draining eight triples in each of his last two games. If he continues to look open and shoot with confidence, Allen could easily exceed 3.5 threes, especially if the Celtics focus their defensive attention on Durant and Beal.

Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction

This should be a very entertaining matchup between two of the most talented teams in the NBA. The Celtics are rightfully favored on the road, as they have been the better and more consistent team all season. The potential absence of Devin Booker also looms large for Phoenix.

However, the Suns have been tough to beat at home and will be extremely motivated to prove they can compete with the NBA’s elite. Kevin Durant is more than capable of putting the team on his back, and guys like Beal and Allen are very dangerous as complementary scorers.

Ultimately, the Celtics simply have too much firepower and defensive versatility. Expect a high-scoring affair, but for Boston to pull away late for a 5-10 point win and cover the spread by 5.5 points. The 226.5 point overage also seems like a good bet considering the offensive talent on both sides.

• Celtics -5.5 (-105)
• Over 226.5 points (-110)

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