Still no Jayson Tatum for the Celtics, but Marcus Smart is back from injury and he can help hound Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The early start time works against Phoenix and the Suns are without Deandre Ayton, JaVale McGee and Jae Crowder. Decent chance Boston wins outright.

Boston failed to cover as favorites in its last two games but can bounce back as an underdog here. Marcus Smart is set to return from a two-game layoff, giving the Celtics four of their usual five starters. The Suns have lost Deandre Ayton and JaVale McGee to health and safety protocols, so Jalen Smith and Cameron Johnson will have to hold their own against Al Horford and Robert Williams in the frontcourt. I'm backing the home team here, as the visiting team's center has started once in his career and has no legitimate backup. The Suns have failed to cover in three of their last four games.