Phoenix at Boston

After a poor performance against the Raptors this past Friday, the Suns are ready to bounce back in a step-up game against the Celtics. Phoenix had won four in a row until losing, 122-115, at Toronto, wasting a tremendous effort by Jalen Green, who scored 34 points. Phoenix is 6-2 in its last eight games. They have won seven of their past 10 away contests. The Suns have a rest advantage here, as Boston last played two days ago, defeating the tanking Wizards 111-100 at home. The Celtics failed to cover as a whopping 20.5-point favorite. It was the ninth time in their last 16 home games that the Celtics did not cover. Points should be at a premium as both teams rank in the top 10 in defensive efficiency. Boston is No. 2 defensively. Phoenix ranks sixth defensively and is second in 3-point defense. That is important because the Celtics rely on hitting their 3-pointers, ranking 11th in 3-point accuracy. Both teams play at a slow pace, too, with Boston posting the league's slowest tempo. That's favorable when taking this many points. Take the Suns.