The Boston Celtics (10-2) travel to Phoenix to play the Suns (7-4) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, November 18, 2019.
Phoenix opened at William Hill as a 3.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 227.5 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Prediction
The Celtics were not able to cover as 7-point favorites in their 100-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings in their last outing. The combined points for the game (199) finished well under the projected point total of 223. Sacramento’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Boston. The Kings had a rate of 11.3 (better than their season average of 14.4), while the Celtics posted a mark of 13.1 (above their season average of 9.8). Boston’s Daniel Theis played well, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Suns’ previous matchup, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 128-112, comfortably covering as 8-point favorites. The total points for the game (240) were over the projected point total of 229.5. The Suns made 31 of their 38 free throws (81.6 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.551). Kelly Oubre Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 10-for-18 shooting from the field.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as a pair of the NBA’s top offenses face off. Phoenix currently ranks fourth with 109.9 points per 100 possessions and Boston is third (110.4). Furthermore, the Celtics rank first in turnover percentage (11.0 percent), while the Suns rank fourth in opponents’ turnover percentage (16.4 percent).
Boston holds records of 10-2 straight up (SU) and 6-4-1 against the spread (ATS). Celtics games have a slight tendency to finish under the total (54.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Phoenix is 7-4 SU and 9-2 ATS. Unlike Boston, games featuring the Suns have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (54.5 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Suns won 111-103. The Suns had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 20.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.188 vs. 0.141).
Celtics at Suns ATS Pick
Free Prediction:Â Â ATS Winner – Celtics
Betting Trends
On the road, Boston is 3-2-1 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Phoenix is 6-2 ATS with 6 overs and 2 unders.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Phoenix is 1-1 and Boston is 2-0.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Celtics are 10-0 and the Suns are 7-3.
Phoenix ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (44.2) while Boston ranks 26th (49.2).
The Celtics rank third in blocks per game (6.1) while the Suns rank 21st (3.9).
Boston ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.8) while Phoenix ranks 21st (50.5).
The Celtics rank first in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Suns rank 17th (8.0).
Phoenix ranks first in points off turnovers per game (22.3) while Boston ranks 17th (17.2).
The Suns rank third in three pointers allowed per game (29.3) while the Celtics rank 15th (33.6).
Phoenix ranks fourth in fast break points per game (16.3) while Boston ranks 14th (13.1).
The Celtics rank fifth in assists allowed per game (21.7) while the Suns rank 15th (23.7).
Boston ranks 24th in second chance points per game (11.6) while Phoenix ranks 26th (10.8).
In its last five contests, Boston is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs over its last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 8.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 120.6 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.0 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
