The Boston Celtics are rolling into Phoenix as 4-point favorites Wednesday night, looking to extend their six-game winning streak against a Suns team fighting for their playoff lives.
Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET at PHX Arena, with ESPN handling the national broadcast duties.
The Celtics have been absolutely dominant on the road this season. They’re sporting a league-best 29-7 record away from home and have already gone 3-0 on their current six-game road trip.
Those three wins weren’t even close. Boston crushed Utah, Portland, and Sacramento by nearly 18 points per game.
Jayson Tatum might miss this one, though. The Celtics star is listed as doubtful with an ankle issue.
The Suns have their own injury concerns with Bradley Beal ruled out due to a hamstring problem. Center Xavier Tillman is also sidelined for Boston with a knee injury.
Phoenix has quietly put together a nice little run of their own. They’ve won four straight games and are perfect so far during their current five-game homestand.
They’ve taken down some serious competition lately too. The Suns just beat Milwaukee 108-106 on Monday after knocking off Cleveland 123-112 last Friday.
Those wins couldn’t have come at a better time. Phoenix is battling for the final Western Conference play-in spot, and they got some help Tuesday when Dallas lost to New York.
The Suns have been tough to beat at home, going 23-13 in their own building this season. Even more impressive? They’ve won six straight at PHX Arena.
Boston has dominated this matchup recently, winning four of the last five meetings between these teams. This is their first clash this season, with the rematch scheduled for April 4 in Boston.
The numbers favor the Celtics, with ESPN’s Basketball Power Index giving them a 60.1% chance to win tonight.
Both teams have been playing well lately. The Celtics are 9-1 in their last 10 games, averaging 114.5 points while shooting a solid 47.1% from the floor. The Suns are 6-4 in that same stretch, putting up 119.3 points per game on an impressive 50.3% shooting.
One thing to watch: Boston has been clutch in tight games, going 7-3 in one-possession contests this season.
