Preview: Suns Face Celtics in Rematch
PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns (38-27) are continuing their road trip against the Boston Celtics (51-14) in a rematch of the tightly contested 117-107 Celtics victory last Saturday.
The Suns welcome Devin Booker into the equation after missing the prior matchup while Boston will still be without Kristaps Porzingis - both of whom didn't play last Saturday due to injury.
A bit on the Celtics' home court prowess, a key matchup, and game prediction:
Celtics: Home Court Juggernaut
The Celtics are an eye-popping 29-3 at home this season - they are on pace to post one of the strongest home records in modern NBA history this season.
The only losses at home came at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Celtics are posting absurd shooting splits of 49.4/39.9/84.7 as a team at home this season, along with being noticeably better on defense.
This will prove to be a stout test for the Suns - as the home-court advantage Boston possess is undeniable.
Key Matchup: Devin Booker vs Jaylen Brown
This is a matchup that didn't come to fruition in last week's matchup - as Booker was ruled out shortly before tip off due to his sprained ankle.
Brown had a rough start to the contest on Saturday night, as he had several early misses from point-blank range, but eventually rebounded with a fairly efficient 27-point showing. He was also a +6 in 34 minutes on the floor.
Brown ultimately is a step below Booker as a player, but at the same time is a vital piece to the Celtics' puzzle this season - and has been playing considerably better over the recent stretch.
Booker was obviously missed by Phoenix in the loss - and his elite shot making could have potentially secured Phoenix the win were he good to go.
It will be seen if the Booker addition makes a difference this evening.
Prediction: Suns Win
This prediction could ultimately backfire, but Phoenix needs a victory this evening much more than Boston, and last week's game proved Phoenix has the talent to compete with Boston - even without Devin Booker.
The Suns ultimately escape with a stunner in the final minutes of the game.
Suns-Celtics is set to tip off shortly after 4:30 PM Arizona time this evening and will be dually broadcast on TNT/AZFamily.
