Are things set to get worse for the Boston Celtics before they get any better?
With the 20-4 Phoenix Suns on the docket on Friday night, that very well could be the case as the Cs wrap up a west coast road trip that has seen Boston go 1-4 so far.
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers were able to knock down the Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena this week, and that follows splitting a back-to-back last Friday and Saturday with a loss in Utah and a win in Portland.
Will the league’s second-best team handle business as sizable favorites on Friday night? Well, Hardwood Houdini is here to dish out some odds, TV channel info, and a prediction for the action:
Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Celtics are a 5-point underdog against the Suns on the road. Phoenix is a -210 home favorite, with the Cs moneyline set at +180. The over/under for the game has been placed at 217 points.
Phoenix has won 19 of its last 20 games, with the only loss coming against the Golden State Warriors…aka the league’s best team. That said, the Suns will be missing their top scorer in Devin Booker. Of course, Boston will be without Jaylen Brown themselves as he misses his fifth straight contest.
Celtics vs. Suns TV channel
Tonight’s game will be nationally broadcasted on ESPN, while Bally Sports Arizona and NBC Sports Boston will be showing the game regionally.
Celtics vs. Suns prediction
Without Booker in uniform, the Suns are infinitely more vulnerable to an upset. With the Cs sliding down the standings right now, you’d think that a pride game could be in store to propel the team up above .500 once more.
The Houdini isn’t convinced they could pull it off, though. We’re not even confident in Boston covering the spread with the Suns laying five points.
What we do believe in is the fourth-highest scoring team in the league putting up a big point total on a Celtics defense that is struggling to stop anyone.