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Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: March 27, 2025 Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona Start Time: 04:00 The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Phoenix Suns prepare to host the Boston Celtics at the PHX Arena on March 27, 2025. This clash of East meets West promises to be a spectacle of grit, determination, and high-stakes basketball, as both teams bring their unique narratives to the court. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Phoenix Suns prepare to host the Boston Celtics at the PHX Arena on March 27, 2025. This clash of East meets West promises to be a spectacle of grit, determination, and high-stakes basketball, as both teams bring their unique narratives to the court.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last Updated: 2025-03-27

Chad Nagel

9 minutes read

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Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum//Getty Images

Who will rise to the occasion? Will the Suns' desperation fuel an inspired performance, or will the Celtics' consistency and depth prove too much to handle? The answers await under the bright lights of PHX Arena. If you’re looking to bet on NBA games, it’s a good idea to check the odds and take a close look at each team’s potential. For extra insight, don’t miss our detailed analysis. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

Explore our betting sites and place your bets if you’re looking to get more value for your money.

  1. Phoenix Suns: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.7%

  2. Boston Celtics: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%

  3. Forecast odds – Betting available on Stake closer to the event.

Head-To-Head Record

The battle between these two organisations has seen some intense matchups over the years and for what’s at stake as the season draws closer to its conclusion, expect this battle to be no different as a win for either team holds significant importance heading towards the post-season play-offs and play-in tournament respectively. 

The Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics have a long history, with the first meeting dating way back to 1968. They have played 137 regular season games, with the Suns winning 60 and Boston obtaining 77. In more recent times, the Celtics have proven to be the more dominant force by winning four out of the last five meetings.

Last Five Matches

SEASONDATERESULT
2023/24 SEASONMARCH 15, 2024BOSTON CELTICS 127-112 PHOENIX SUNS
2023/24 SEASONMARCH 10, 2024PHOENIX SUNS 107-117 BOSTON CELTICS
2022/23 SEASONFEBRUARY 4, 2023BOSTON CELTICS 94-106 PHOENIX SUNS
2022/23 SEASONDECEMBER 8, 2022PHOENIX SUNS 98-125 BOSTON CELTICS
2020/21 SEASONDECEMBER 31, 2021BOSTON CELTICS 123-108 PHOENIX SUNS
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Phoenix Suns Current Form - WWWLW

The Suns entered the season with high expectations, boasting a "Big Three" of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, their journey has been far from smooth. Currently sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference, the Suns are fighting tooth and nail to secure a spot in the play-in tournament.

The team has struggled to find cohesion, despite having a roster filled with talent. Injuries, trade rumours, and a lack of depth have all contributed to their underwhelming performance. Devin Booker himself has acknowledged the team's struggles, emphasising that "talent only gets you so far" and pointing to the need for better execution and attention to detail.

The Suns' path to the play-in tournament is challenging but not impossible. With 14 games left in the season, every matchup is critical. The team needs to string together wins and hope for favourable results from other Western Conference teams. Their recent victory against the Kings, where they hit a season-high 24 three-pointers, is a step in the right direction.

However, the road ahead is tough. The Suns face strong competition and must address their defensive lapses and inconsistent bench production to secure a play-in spot. The performances of Durant and Booker will be pivotal in this final stretch.

Key Players To Watch

  • Kevin Durant: Durant has been a cornerstone for the Suns, delivering consistent performances despite the team's struggles. Averaging 26.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game from 52.8% shooting from the field, Durant continues to prove why he is a surefire Hall-of-Famer. His leadership and scoring ability have been crucial in keeping the Suns' playoff hopes alive. Durant is also no stranger to high-pressure situations and can step up when it matters most.
  • Devin Booker: Booker has been another bright spot for the Suns. Known for his scoring prowess, the Suns’ all-time leading scorer recently dropped 41 points in a win against the Chicago Bulls, showcasing his ability to take over games. His leadership on and off the court has been vital, even as the team navigates a challenging season. Booker has also been vocal about the team's need to improve, reflecting his commitment to turning things around.
  • Cody Martin: Although he joined the team mid-season, Martin has quickly made his presence felt, particularly on the defensive end. Known for his hustle and versatility, Martin has brought a much-needed defensive identity to the Suns, who have struggled in that area throughout the season. In his limited minutes, Martin has showcased his ability to be a "Swiss army knife" player, contributing with steals, blocks, and energy plays that ignite the team. His grit and determination have earned him praise from fans and teammates alike, making him a valuable asset as the Suns fight for a spot in the play-in tournament.

Phoenix Suns Team News

Mason Plumlee could make a return to the court but will undergo a fitness test after recovering from a muscle injury sustained a week ago against the Toronto Raptors. 

Grayson Allen is a doubt after missing the last seven games due to a foot injury he suffered in the defeat against the Houston Rockets. 

Bradley Beal is sidelined with a hamstring injury but is closing in on a return to action, while Vasilije Micic is dealing with an illness and is listed as questionable for the upcoming game. 

Boston Celtics Current Form – WWWWL

The Celtics have consistently dominated in the Eastern Conference, sitting comfortable in the second spot. They maintain a high winning percentage against both conference rivals and Western Conference teams, demonstrating their versatility. Their strong defence and quick-paced offense have been hallmarks of their play.

Offensively, the Celtics leaned on their star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to lead scoring efforts, combining skilful shooting with aggressive drives to the basket. Their three-point shooting has also been reliable thanks to players like Derrick White and Al Horford.

In defence, the team has been excellent, anchored by Kristaps Porziņgis and Robert Williams III, who has excelled in protecting the paint and securing rebounds. Their perimeter defence has been solid, challenging opponents’ shooting.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla has been praised for his adaptability, crafting game plans that play to the strengths of his roster. His ability to make adjustments mid-game has been pivotal in securing close wins and will continue to be going into the post-season playoffs.

The Celtics are entering the playoffs as one of the favourites, owing to their strong roster and cohesive team play. Their ability to maintain momentum and perform under pressure will be crucial in their pursuit of the championship. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Jayson Tatum: Tatum is a dynamic scorer who can drive to the rim, create mid-range opportunities, and excel from beyond the arc. His scoring arsenal forces defences to adapt, often drawing double teams, which creates space for his teammates to capitalise on open looks. Averaging 26.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, he has been a consistent offensive and defensive force. His reliable performance night in and night out gives the Celtics a solid foundation to build their game plans around. 
  • Derrick White: White has been a defensive powerhouse, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best backcourt players. His quick hands and awareness have resulted in critical steals and disruptions. While not the primary scoring option, White has been highly efficient. His ability to drive to the basket, hit mid-range shots, and knock down three-pointers has made him a reliable offensive threat. He has often stepped up with big performances when Tatum or Brown had off nights. 
  • Kristaps Porziņgis: Porziņgis has added a new dimension to the Celtics' game with his scoring and shot-blocking abilities. Averaging 19.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, he has been a key contributor on both ends of the court. The Latvian superstar has proven to be a skilled scorer who thrives both inside the paint and on the perimeter. His ability to shoot from long range as a seven-footer stretches opposing defences and opens up driving lanes for players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Boston Celtics Team News

Jalen Brown has been diagnosed with a bone bruise and posterior impingement in his right knee and will be assessed in the coming weeks. It is unknown if Brown will be available for the rest of Boston’s road trip in Sacramento, Phoenix, San Antonio and Memphis. Since the Celtics have already clinched a playoff berth, the priority appears to have Brown healthy for the postseason. Xavier Tillman also remains a doubt as he recovers from a knee injury he picked up in the win against the Utah Jazz. 

Predicted Line-Up

Phoenix Suns Lineup

  • Point Guard (PG): Devin Booker
  • Shooting Guard (SG): Tyus Jones
  • Small Forward (SF): Cody Martin
  • Power Forward (PF): Kevin Durant
  •  Center (C): Jusuf Nurkic

Boston Celtics Lineup

  • Point Guard (PG): Jrue Holiday
  • Shooting Guard (SG): Derrick White
  • Small Forward (SF): Jayson Tatum
  • Power Forward (PF): Sam Hauser
  • Center (C): Al Horford

Value Bets

  1. Kevin Durant – To score Over 20 Points and 5 Assists: Durant’s ability to score from anywhere on the court – whether it’s from mid-range, three-point range, or attacking the rim – makes him nearly impossible to guard. His quick release and smooth shooting mechanics give him an advantage even against tight defence. The Celtics are likely to double-team Durant to limit his scoring, which creates open opportunities for his teammates. Durant’s high basketball IQ and playmaking skills allow him to read defences and find the right passes.

  2. Jason Tatum – To Score Over 25 Points: With his scoring versatility and basketball IQ, Tatum has everything he needs to break the 25-point mark. His consistency and leadership ensure that the Celtics look to him as their go-to scorer. Tatum is excellent at creating his own shot in one-on-one situations. Whether it's a step-back jumper, a drive to the basket, or a post-up, his scoring versatility makes him tough to defend. With his ability to shoot consistently from beyond the arc, Tatum can rack up points quickly. He’ll exploit defensive lapses or mismatches to sink open threes.

Prediction: Boston Celtics to Win

The Celtics have been in excellent form this season, and their recent victories over top teams have boosted their confidence. They also have a history of stepping up in big games. Also, the Celtics have won two of their last three matchups against the Suns, showcasing their ability to handle Phoenix's star-studded lineup. With their combination of talent, strategy, and recent success, the Celtics are well-positioned to come out on top in their next encounter with the Suns. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.

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