Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson | Staff Writer

The Phoenix Suns (38-27) take on the Boston Celtics (51-14) Thursday with tip-off from TD Garden set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Suns vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Celtics lead 1-0

The Suns took care of the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-111, failing to cover a 7-point spread Monday. They've won 3 of 4, and G Devin Booker returned to the lineup with 27 points, 7 dimes and 6 boards. He shot just 1-for-7 from distance in his 1st game in 9 days. The Suns, without Booker, lost at home to Boston 117-107 Saturday.

The Celtics finished up a 5-game road trip with 3 straight wins. They defeated the Utah Jazz 123-107 on the back end of a back-to-back. They covered as 6.5-point favorites in that one. F Jayson Tatum dropped 38 with 6 boards and 4-for-10 shooting from 3-point land.

Suns at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Suns +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Celtics -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns +5.5 (-105) | Celtics -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Suns at Celtics key injuries

Suns

G Eric Gordon (knee) questionable
F Nassir Little (knee) probable
G Josh Okogie (abdomen) out

Celtics

G Jaylen Brown (hip) questionable
F Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Suns at Celtics and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 114, Suns 112

Moneyline

I really want to lean toward the value with the Suns since Boston is without Porzingis, but they are 29-3 at home this year. So they'll find a way to get it done, but we're not paying -250 on the ML.

Instead, I'm going to roll with F Kevin Durant. He has scored 37, 45, 35, 35, 20 and 30 over the last 6 games. That 45 piece was against Boston. His game has changed as he has aged, as he really isn't much of a sharpshooter anymore, and he lives more in the midrange. He has opened up his 3-point shooting of late, though, going 9-for-17 (52.9%) over the last 2 games. Porzingis' absence will benefit KD.

Take KEVIN DURANT OVER 27.5 POINTS (-125).

Against the spread

The Suns are just 2-8 ATS over the last 10, but Booker missed some time in there. They beat Boston in its house last season, so I like Phoenix to be competitive. This spread is a bit much for me on Boston.

Take the SUNS +5.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Celtics are 3-6-1 O/U over the last 10, and Phoenix is just 1-9. The Over is just 2-8 in the last 10 meetings as well. I look for a slower pace, grindy kind of game.

LEAN UNDER 227.5 (-115).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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