Boston at Sacramento

Boston plays hard for coach Brad Stevens and they've picked up the defense, allowing 96, 96 and 88 points the last three games (2-1 UNDER the total). They've also won four of five games and the Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games. Boston is #12 in the NBA in scoring and rebounds, on the playoff bubble plus acquired Isaiah Thomas from Phoenix this week to give them a nice three-guard attack. Thomas has averaged 15.2 points while shooting a career-high 39.1 percent from three-point range. Boston is 12-5 UNDER the total on the road while weak-shooting Sacramento is on a 7-1 run UNDER the total. Sacramento has dropped 13 of 15 games, ranks #27 in points allowed, #19 in field goal shooting defense and brings in a new coach, George Karl. Sacramento point guard Darren Collison is doubtful after missing the last four games with a strained right hip flexor. The Kings are on an 8-20-2 ATS run and 3-13-1 ATS against the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and the wagering value is for Boston to win a game with more defense than oddsmakers expect. Play Boston straight-up and take the game total UNDER.