Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.24.26

Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.24.26

The NBA regular season delivers a high-stakes cross-conference showdown as the Boston Celtics (37-19) visit the Phoenix Suns (33-25) at the Mortgage Matchup Center this Tuesday. While Boston looks to solidify its standing atop the Eastern Conference, Phoenix enters this contest severely shorthanded, struggling to maintain momentum amidst a mounting injury crisis. This matchup serves as a critical litmus test for the depth of both rotations as we approach the final stretch of the season.

Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Matchup Preview

Boston Celtics Key Stats & Trends

The Celtics continue to boast one of the most balanced rosters in the league, characterized by elite spacing and defensive versatility. Even with roster fluctuations, Boston relies on a high-octane offense led by Jaylen Brown, who is averaging a stellar 29.2 PPG. The emergence of Neemias Queta (8.3 RPG) as a legitimate rim protector and glass-cleaner has stabilized their interior defense, while Derrick White remains the primary facilitator with 5.7 APG. Boston’s ability to generate points in transition and capitalize on turnovers remains their greatest strength.

• Points: Jaylen Brown (29.2)
• Rebounds: Neemias Queta (8.3)
• Assists: Derrick White (5.7)
• Rating: Jaylen Brown (29.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG)

Injury Report Boston Celtics

• Jaylen Brown (Day-to-day): Brown is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Suns due to a right knee contusion, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
• Jayson Tatum (Out): Tatum (Achilles) said that he was “feeling good” after taking part in practice with the G League’s Maine Celtics on Tuesday, but he remained non-committal about returning to action during the 2025-26 season, Taylor Snow of the Celtics’ official site reports.

Phoenix Suns Key Stats & Trends

The Suns are currently navigating a “MASH unit” scenario. With Devin Booker and several key wing defenders sidelined, the scoring burden has shifted heavily to Grayson Allen (17.3 PPG). While Mark Williams (8.1 RPG) provides a steady presence in the paint, the lack of perimeter creation is glaring. Collin Gillespie (4.7 APG) will be tasked with orchestrating the offense against a relentless Boston defense. Phoenix must rely on a slow-paced, half-court game to stay competitive.

• Points: Grayson Allen (17.3)
• Rebounds: Mark Williams (8.1)
• Assists: Collin Gillespie (4.7)
• Rating: Grayson Allen (17.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG)

Injury Report Phoenix Suns

• Cole Anthony (Out): Anthony (not with team) has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Celtics.
• Grayson Allen (Day-to-day): Allen (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday’s game against Boston, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.
• Jordan Goodwin (Out): Goodwin (calf) has no timetable to return, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.
• Dillon Brooks (Out): Brooks’ timetable for his broken left hand is 4-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
• Haywood Highsmith (Out): Highsmith (knee) will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, Shane Young of the Suns’ official site reports.
• Devin Booker (Out): Booker will have his right hip strain reevaluated by medical staff in one week, Shane Young of the Suns’ official site reports.

Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction & Best Bet

Given the extensive injury report for Phoenix, the Boston Celtics are the definitive pick to win. The Suns are missing their primary playmaker in Booker and their best perimeter defenders in Brooks and Highsmith, leaving them vulnerable to Boston’s elite guard play. Even if Jaylen Brown is limited, the depth of White, Vucevic, and Pritchard should overwhelm a depleted Suns bench. Regarding the total, we are siding with the over on 209.5. Boston’s offensive efficiency remains high, and Phoenix’s defensive rotations will likely struggle to stay disciplined against the Celtics’ ball movement, leading to a higher-scoring affair than the line suggests.