Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics
PREVIEW: The Phoenix Suns are riding a four-game winning streak into their matchup against the Boston Celtics , looking to extend their recent success against one of the league's most imposing opponents. During this hot stretch, Phoenix has been exceptional on offense, shooting 43.3% from three-point range while posting a 126.5 offensive rating and maintaining a +14.5 net rating . However, the Suns face a significant challenge in their turnover management, as they rank 29th in frequency of post-up shots and 30th in attacking the rim , which could prove problematic against Boston's aggressive defense. The Celtics force turnovers at the second-best rate in the league , creating a potential mismatch that could determine the flow of this contest.
The defending champion Boston Celtics are rolling into Phoenix with a +14.9 net rating , showcasing elite two-way basketball with their combination of prolific scoring and stifling defense. Boston leads the entire league by attempting 48.2 three-pointers per game, over five more than any other team , though they allow opponents to take three-pointers at a 44.8% rate, ranking 28th defensively in this category. The Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum tonight due to an ankle injury suffered against the Kings , yet their supporting cast remains formidable. Boston has demonstrated resilience in Tatum's absence, maintaining a 5-1 record when he hasn't played , suggesting they're far from diminished despite the loss of their star player.