Boston at Phoenix

Two outstanding defenses clash in this one. Boston is one of the best defensive teams in the league once again under this coaching staff, seventh in the NBA in points allowed (109.7 per game) and #10 at defending beyond the arc. Offensive force Jaylen Brown (knee) will not play along with Marcus Smart. With Brown out, Jayson Tatum becomes the lone, primary focus for attacking defenses. The Celtics will lean more on their great defense and have gone UNDER the total in three of their last four road games. Phoenix is fourth in the NBA in points allowed (107.5 per game), #10 in field goal defense (45.7%), fourth at defending the three-pointer, with their last three home games all going UNDER. Play the UNDER.