The Boston Celtics (49-22) and Utah Jazz (33-36) meet Saturday at Vivint Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
The Celtics covered the spread as 6.5-point favorites Friday with a 126-112 win at the Portland Trail Blazers. F Jayson Tatum finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds as Boston won for the 4th time in its last 5 games.
The Jazz covered as 8.5-point underdogs Monday in a 119-115 loss at the Miami Heat. F Lauri Markkanen scored a game-high 38 points for the Jazz, who finished 2-4 on their 6-game road trip.
This is the 1st meeting this season between these teams. Boston and Utah split last season’s series 1-1 with the Over hitting in both meetings.
Celtics at Jazz odds
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Jazz +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -3.5 (-118) | Jazz +3.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 232.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Celtics at Jazz key injuries
Celtics
- Not yet submitted
Jazz
- G Jordan Clarkson (hand) questionable
- G Collin Sexton (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at Jazz picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 125, Jazz 115
Moneyline
PASS.
Boston (-170) should beat the Jazz, who have lost 5 of their last 7 games, but there is no need to risk almost twice your potential profit on the moneyline when the Celtics should win comfortably. Bet the spread and/or total instead.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -3.5 (-118).
Rest should not be an issue for the Celtics as they are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games when playing on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. Boston has covered 4 of its last 6 games, and 1 of the failed covers was due to Minnesota Timberwolves G Mike Conley shooting a 3-pointer at the buzzer to backdoor cover the spread.
Utah has been dealing with backcourt injuries lately and is just 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 home games. Utah did not cover in either meeting last season vs. Boston and should struggle Saturday as the Celtics have been playing better lately.
Over/Under
BET OVER 232.5 (-108).
The Over is 9-4 in Boston’s last 13 games and 18-7-1 in the Celtics’ last 26 when playing on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. These teams tend to play fast-paced against each other in Utah, with the Over hitting in 9 of the last 12 meetings. Saturday’s matchup should be another high-scoring affair.