Both of these teams entered the season with legitimate title aspirations, but only one has truly positioned itself for a deep playoff run. The Phoenix Suns boast Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, yet they have struggled to translate their star power into consistent success. Although they’ve started to turn things around with a four-game win streak, they’re still barely holding on to the final play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference.
Across the court, the Boston Celtics are looking to become the first back-to-back champions in a decade and have set the pace with a dominant 53-19 record at this stage of the season. This game carries greater urgency for the Phoenix Suns, but can their Big Three finally deliver when it matters most?
Matchup: Celtics vs Suns Overview
- Teams: Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns
- Date: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
- Time: Tip-off is at 10:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Win Probabilities:
NBA win probabilities are calculated using expert predictions combined with insights from recent games. The Suns enter this matchup riding a four-game win streak, yet they hold just a 45.69% chance to win. Meanwhile, the Celtics, who own a dominant 29-7 road record this season, are given a 54.31% chance to secure their 30th away victory at the Suns’ expense.
Projected Final Score:
The projected final score for this NBA game has the Boston Celtics narrowly edging out the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix will be desperate for a win, but the projected final score doesn’t expect that to be enough as they fall short with a final score of Boston Celtics 123-119 Phoenix Suns.
Celtics vs Suns Odds
NBA win probabilities are calculated using expert predictions combined with insights from recent games. The Phoenix Suns enter this matchup riding a four-game win streak, yet they hold just a 45.69% chance to win. Meanwhile, the Celtics, who own a dominant 29-7 road record this season, are given a 54.31% chance to secure their 30th away victory at the Suns’ expense.
Expert Prediction: Who Wins?
Why the Boston Celtics Could Win
The Boston Celtics have the deepest starting unit in the league, led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Brown and Tatum have been the franchise’s foundation since they were drafted in back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017. They have improved with each passing season, and the duo finally secured an NBA title last season against the Dallas Mavericks.
What makes Brown and Tatum—and, by extension, the Celtics—so dangerous is their ability to knock down three-pointers. It isn’t uncommon to see all five Celtics spacing the floor beyond the arc, fully embracing the power of the three-ball. Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White round out their starting five, all of whom are capable of heating up from deep at any moment.
Phoenix has struggled against elite three-point shooters this season, and the Celtics can score from anywhere. If the Suns overcommit to defending the perimeter, the Celtics will capitalize on open lanes to the basket. Their versatility on both ends of the court makes them a smart pick against any sub-.500 team.
Why the Phoenix Suns Could Win
The Phoenix Suns need this win. They have strung together four straight victories, but with Anthony Davis returning for the Mavericks, their spot in the play-in tournament is far from secure. Phoenix entered the season with legitimate title hopes behind Durant and Booker, but injuries have prevented them from building the chemistry needed to compete at the highest level.
Durant and Booker are future Hall of Famers, but in the modern NBA, title contenders need balanced scoring to succeed. Phoenix must quickly find cohesion if they hope to make the play-in tournament—and potentially the playoffs.
The Suns took down the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers during their four-game win streak, and they will be confident in their ability to take down another Eastern Conference powerhouse. At home, Phoenix has been a different team, posting a 23-13 record compared to just 12-24 on the road. They’ll be desperate to defend their home court. Boston may choose to rest one or even two of their starters, and the Suns will look to take advantage of any complacency shown by their visitors.
How to Make Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Picks
The best place to make free Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns picks is Sportzino. Sportzino offers NBA odds not just for this game, but for every matchup this season. You can make free NBA predictions on the moneyline, spread, total, and a variety of player props.
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