The Boston Celtics (42-19) will be at home in TD Garden when they take on the Utah Jazz (39-22). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2020.

Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics Betting Preview

The Jazz defeated the New York Knicks in their last outing, 112-104, but failed to cover as 9-point favorites. With 18 points and 14 rebounds, Utah’s Rudy Gobert put together a good performance. Utah dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.247 (above their season average of 0.209) and a turnover percentage of 10.7 (better than their season average of 13.2). New York was 0.176 and 12.3, respectively, for those same stats. The two teams combined to put up 216 points, which was under the projected point total of 220.

The last time the Celtics played, they covered the 4-point spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-106. Boston was lifted by Jayson Tatum, who was the team’s high scorer with 32 points on 11-for-24 shooting. Boston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.244 (above their season average of 0.205) and a turnover percentage of 10.1 (better than their season average of 11.7). For those same stats, Cleveland recorded marks of 0.169 and 10.9, respectively. The two squads collectively scored 218 points, which came in just over the O/U total of 215.

These two clubs have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 217 points in that game, which was just under the projected point total of 217.5. The Celtics won 114-103, covering as 5-point underdogs. The Celtics played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.155 and a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.601. For those same stats, the Jazz were 0.124 and 0.517, respectively. Tatum recorded a double-double with 33 points and 11 rebounds.

Of Utah’s 61 games, 32 have finished over the O/U total, while 30 of Boston’s 61 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (39-22 for Utah; 42-19 for Boston), but the Celtics have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Boston is 37-23-1 ATS, while the Jazz are 28-30-3.

Utah might have a difficult time creating turnovers. Boston ranks eighth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.8 percent), while Utah forces the first-fewest turnovers (11.3 percent). Furthermore, the elite offense of the Jazz ranks second in effective field goal percentage (0.553), while the Celtics are fifth-best in the league at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.508).

Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics Betting Prediction

Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

The Celtics rank sixth in fast break points per game (15.4) while the Jazz rank 27th (10.6).

Utah ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.5) while Boston ranks 12th (44.5).

Utah ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (31.4) while Boston ranks 19th (34.6).

Boston ranks 24th in assists per game (22.9) while Utah ranks 26th (22.2).

Utah is 15-15-1 ATS on the road, while Boston is 17-13 ATS at home.

The Jazz have 16 overs and 15 unders in 31 road games.

Of the Celtics’ 30 home games, they have 16 overs, 13 unders and 1 push.

Boston and Utah are both 12-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points.

When reaching 100 points, the Celtics are 41-13 and the Jazz are 38-16.

The Jazz rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.9) while the Celtics rank 15th (13.1).

Boston ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.6) while Utah ranks 28th (4.0).

The Celtics rank seventh in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while the Jazz rank 29th (14.0).

The Celtics rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (43.5) while the Jazz rank ninth (46.3).

Boston ranks eighth in steals per game (8.3) while Utah ranks 29th (5.7).

Bettings Trends:

Boston is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in its last five games.

Over its last five outings, Utah is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.

The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 6.5 for the season.

During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 116.2 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.2 points per game (8.0 above their season average).