The Boston Celtics (50-19) travel to face off against the Utah Jazz (16-54) on Friday, March 21st. This game will be played at Delta Center in Salt Lake City and televised on NBCS. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 9:30 ET.

Celtics vs Jazz

The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win

The Celtics improved to 50-19 on the season after a 104-96 win over the Nets on Tuesday. Playing at home, Boston was favored by 13.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total of 200 points fell short of the 212-point over/under line.

Boston trailed 26-21 after the 1st quarter, and the 2nd quarter was even at 23-23. The Celtics gained momentum by outscoring the Nets 27-21 in the 3rd quarter and pulled away in the 4th, winning the final period 33-26.

The Jazz Are Coming Off A Win

Utah improved to 16-54 with a 128-112 win over the Wizards on Wednesday. The Jazz, favored by 2.5 points, covered the spread with the 16-point victory. The total score of 240 points went over the 234-point line.

Utah’s 10-0 run turned the game around, as they went from trailing 22-13 to leading 23-22. They outscored Washington in each of the final three quarters, including a 31-24 edge in the 4th quarter.

Celtics Offense Breakdown

In their win over the Nets, the Celtics shot 44.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, making 16 threes. Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 25 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 69.2% from the field.

Baylor Scheierman hit 6 threes at 85.7% efficiency, finishing with 20 points, including 12 in the 4th quarter. Derrick White added 18 points, scoring 13 in the 3rd quarter.

Jazz Offense Breakdown

In their win over the Wizards, the Jazz put up 128 points, shooting 56.2% from the field and hitting 17 threes at a 40.5% clip. Kyle Filipowski led the way with 21 points, connecting on 4 threes at 66.7% shooting from deep.

Keyonte George added 20 points, including 7 in the 4th quarter, while Collin Sexton contributed 18 points, 11 of which came in the opening period. Brice Sensabaugh and Isaiah Collier also stepped up late, each scoring 7 points in the final quarter.

Celtics Team Defense

The Celtics’ defense was strong throughout their win over the Nets, allowing just 96 points. They gave up 26 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters but tightened up in the 2nd and 3rd, allowing 23 and 21 points, respectively.

Boston held Brooklyn to 40% shooting, including 28% from three, where the Nets hit 13 threes. The Celtics also sent the Nets to the line 17 times, where they made 11 free throws. Defensively, Boston grabbed 42 rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 5 blocks.

Jazz Team Defense

The Celtics put together a strong defensive performance against the Nets, holding them to just 96 points on 40% shooting. Boston was particularly effective in the 3rd quarter, where they allowed only 21 points. The Celtics also limited Brooklyn’s three-point shooting, with the Nets hitting just 13 threes at a 28% clip.

Boston sent the Nets to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 11 shots. The Celtics controlled the glass with 42 defensive rebounds, giving up 8 offensive boards. They also contributed 6 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

Celtics vs Jazz Trends

• Although Boston has a straight up record of 9-1 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 5-5. The team averaged 113 points per game in these games.
• In their last five home games, Utah has averaged 111 points per game while allowing 121. The team’s record in this stretch was 0-5 while going 3-2.
• As the betting underdog, the Jazz have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Utah posted a straight up mark of 0-3 in these matchups.
• Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 1-2.

Celtics vs Jazz Prediction

For a point-spread bet in this Celtics vs. Jazz matchup, we’re leaning towards the Jazz at +13. Although our projections show the Celtics winning 116-113, we suggest placing your bet on the Jazz for the point-spread.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 227.5, and our model predicts the Celtics and Jazz to score a combined 229 points. We recommend betting on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.