Suns vs Celtics

NBA odds, picks, and predictions for the Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns on December 7. NBA betting best bet and free pick analysis.

[Cameron Payne](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/493/cameron-payne) has filled in at PG for Paul, and an increase in minutes has helped him realize career-highs in points per game (13), assists per game (5.8), and 3-pointers made (1.9). The Under is 6-0-1 in the Celtics’ last seven road games. Payne rises from 12.4 points per game on the road to 13.6 at home, and Bridges from 14.8 to 16.9. Boston plays a much tighter game on the road than it does at home under head coach Joe Mazzulla. Additionally, the Suns are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a spread loss. [Jayson Tatum](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/430/jayson-tatum) and [Jaylen Brown](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/428/jaylen-brown) this season, with the tandem combining for 47.7% of their club’s points per night. The two young stars are likely good for at least 20 points apiece in this contest, but that won’t be nearly good enough against a well-rounded Phoenix team. It’s the same story for [Devin Booker](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/384/devin-booker) has had some huge nights without Paul, including each of his last two home games, where he went for 51 points against the Bulls and 44 against the Rockets. The Celtics are off to a 2-0 start on a grueling six-game road trip, dispatching the Nets and the Raptors. But Phoenix is far from hopeless without the Point God, and bettors should gladly take the points with the home underdog. The 12-time All-Star is considered questionable tonight, but if sportsbooks were truly sold on his return here, they likely would have waited to post a point spread.

The Suns have been without star point guard Chris Paul since he injured his heel vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 7.

The Suns had a 9-5 record in Paul’s absence, which started when he left a game against the 76ers on Nov. The Celtics are 20-5. The 12-time All-Star guard returned Wednesday night against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics.

It's Devin Booker vs. Jayson Tatum, the league's top two offenses and top records in each Conference.

If Paul and Craig are back (which is likely), the Suns will have an adjustment period that probably results in some clunky play. yep, you guessed it: the Pelicans (+11.6) and Celtics (+9.9), the opponents in the Suns next three games. He’s been very good as a starter (15.1 points, 7.3 assists per game) and especially good at home (43% 3P, 56% TS), so the Suns will need that Cam to show up. If Paul and Craig are out, the Suns have a top-end talent problem. During that 9-game run, they are 2nd in the NBA in offense, 8th in defense and 3rd in point differential (+9.1). Paul might actually be back on Wednesday night (barring a setback), but either way they will have an uphill battle to beat a really good team. Yesterday, I shared that the Suns are only 6-6 against .500-or-better teams (20-9 overall) without Chris Paul the past two seasons, including 3-3 this season. Interesting note: Most of these players — the roster has had tons of continuity — are on their third head coach in the last three seasons. Of course, the two main drivers on the Celtics are MVP candidate Jayson Tatum and All-Star Jaylen Brown. They’ve come back to earth a bit over the last couple of games, especially against the Nets on Monday where they scored less than a point per possession but still won anyway. Suns: Chris Paul (heel) and Torrey Craig (groin) are QUESTIONABLE, meaning game-time-decision; Cameron Johnson (knee), Duane Washington Jr. When was the last time the Phoenix Suns (16-8) were an underdog at home?

Paul, 37, is in his 19th NBA season, in which he has averaged 9.5 points, 9.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals for the Suns. He's in his third season with ...

Their first year under Paul's leadership resulted in the team's first Western Conference title in 28 years. Their second season ended with an NBA-best 64-18 regular-season record, although the playoff run ended with an upset defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. He's in his third season with the Suns, which have shined with the 12-time All-Star leading the way.

Phoenix Suns All-Star Chris Paul will make his return Wednesday night against Boston Celtics after missing 14 straight games with a sore right heel.

"It was just something I just felt," Craig said. "It feels pretty good," Craig said. It felt pretty good." "Just trying to test it out and stretch it out. It feels pretty good." "Just trying to push it," Paul said.

The Phoenix Suns hosted the Boston Celtics at Footprint Center in a battle of the leading teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

You have to feel for the Phoenix Suns crowd, to a certain extent. For the second time this year, the Footprint Center was the site of a marquee game turned ...