Celtics vs. Suns Preview: Which Top Team will Shine Brighter?

Story posted December 7, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Allie Wenskoski

Boston is on their way to Phoenix to battle the Suns on Wednesday night. It’s a fight between the first place teams. The Celtics head into the matchup with an impressive 20-5 record and a two game lead over the Eastern Conference, while the Suns lead the West with a 16-8 record.

The Celtics are coming off a 116-110 win against the Toronto Raptors and will try to swing that momentum into this big upcoming game. On the flip side, the Suns lost their previous game to the Dallas Mavericks and will be looking for their next win.

It wouldn’t be luck if the Celtics pulled off the victory. They are the slight favorite, highlighted with their star Jayson Tatum. Tatum is the team season leader in points and rebounds, and averages 30.7 points per game.

Not only does Boston have Tatum, but also Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists himself. His impressive season has been especially valuable in these last few weeks.

However, Phoenix is 12-2 in home games this season and will be the home team of the Celtics v. Suns matchup. Who’s their team leader? The title goes to none other than Devin Booker, who responds to Tatum’s average with his own 29.1 points per game.

Both teams are facing some challenging injuries. Boston will be without Robert Williams III and Danilo Gallinari, while both Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon are day-to-day.

However, much more of the Suns’ lineup will be out longer-term. Small forwards Torrey Craig and Cameron Johnson, point guard Chris Paul, and power forward Jae Crowder will all be non-contenders for the game. Point guard Duane Washington Jr. is also day-to-day.

Injuries have seemed to affect the Suns previously this season. After they started out the season strong with a 6-1 record, they went 4-5 after first losing Cameron Johnson and Chris Paul.

The game against the Celtics is going to come down to whether the Suns can get past their injuries. However, they have done a pretty incredible job so far, by remaining in first place without much of their key lineup.

Not only does this game prove which top team is number one, but for the Suns, it could mean losing first place. They currently only have a half game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans.

This game is also a possible NBA Finals preview, although it is still months away from playoffs. Boston will be looking to get back to the playoffs after losing to Golden State last year, while the Suns are looking for their first Finals appearance since 2021.

It isn’t a secret that the Celtics are one of the hottest, if not the hottest, team in the NBA at the moment. Their secret to success was the month of November, when the team recorded a nine-game win streak to take control of the Eastern Conference.

The Suns are on a road-heavy December schedule, but will get this home game breather against the Celtics. Either way the chips fall, the fans for both sides are in for a battle for the top team in the NBA.

Allie Wenskoski is a first-year student studying broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amw7637@psu.edu.