San Antonio at Boston

San Antonio comes off a four day lay off and has to face the World Champions. It's actually been a longer rest for the starters as most of them sat out a good portion of the Denver game. After losing at home to the Lakers on Thursday, Boston has a statement to make here. This is the first home game following that embarrassment and they have been looking forward to this game ever since that buzzer went off. They want to show the home fans, and the league, that they can beat a great team. Another loss here would be fairly traumatic for them so I expect an inspired effort. The Spurs average just 96 per game on the road and with Boston holding opponents here to 93, and with the added motivation from the Lakers game, I expect the Spurs to have trouble scoring. San Antonio is just 5-15 ATS the past two seasons when facing elite competition (teams at .700 or better). Boston is 16-6 ATS over that span as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points. I like the Celts to get it done here. I also like the UNDER. When we get two very good teams playing, the intensity picks up and a playoff-like atmosphere prevails. Both of these teams pride themselves on their defense with the Spurs holding foes to 94.5 per game and Boston holding opponents to just 92 per game. When facing a winning team the last two seasons, the Spurs are 48-29 to the UNDER. That includes a 25-9 UNDER mark vs. teams at .700 or better. San Antonio is also 9-1 UNDER over that span when coming off 3+ days of rest. Boston has played in their fair share of games with low totals this season, and they are 17-7 UNDER in games with a total under 190. Boston and the UNDER here.