It will be interesting to see where Boston’s collective heads are at in the February 26th Celtics at Jazz betting pick. Brad Stevens‘ team has played the last three on the road, the last two of which were on the West Coast including Tuesday’s 118-106 win in Portland. The C’s are on the back-to-back before heading back home after a tilt with Utah.
The Jazz are 5 point favorites on Wednesday but are the losers of three straight games – all at home. That includes a 20 point loss to Phoenix on Monday as -8.5 favorites. Is Boston ready to pack up and get home? Is Utah in a must-win as they are free-falling down the standings?
What Do the Celtics Have Left in the Tank Wednesday?
Boston has played well on their current road trip which started off with a 127-117 win over Minnesota last Thursday. The Celtics lost by just 2 to the Lakers on Sunday before dishing up a 12 point win over the Damian Lillard-less Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
What does Boston have left for the February 26th Celtics at Jazz betting pick however? Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have carried Boston lately – but both played 34 minutes Tuesday vs. Portland. Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart each logged 30 as well and Boston is already a man down as Kemba Walker has sat the last three with a sore left knee.
The Celtics are 17-12 on the road this season and have gone 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. The Jazz have covered the number in just one of their last 8 games in Salt Lake City as well. Boston has also lost 3 of their last 4 on 0 days rest, but to quality teams in Toronto, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. Does Utah fit that bill in this one?
Jazz Need a Win Wednesday
Utah has fallen out of a potential home court advantage in the first round as they’re now 1 GB from Houston sitting in the 5th seed. That’s what three straight defeats and a 4-6 record over the last 10 will do to you.
The Jazz look to have hit rock bottom on Monday, falling 111-131 to Phoenix in what was the 3rd straight defeat for Utah coming out of the all-star break. That run also includes a 10 point loss to Houston and falling by 9 to the Spurs – all three games which were in Salt Lake City.
On a bright note the Jazz have taken 3 of the last 4 from the Cetlics. Utah also has a top 10 defense, but has allowed 113, 120, and 131 points the last three. Donovan Mitchell has gone for 30+ in two straight games but do the Jazz have any secondary scoring for the talented roster Boston will put out on the floor – even on the b2b and with Walker injured?
February 26th Celtics at Jazz Betting Pick
The Jazz defense hasn’t looked like a top 10 unit as of late and Boston’s elite squad isn’t going to be as pressuring on 0 days rest. Both teams have scorers in Tatum, Brown, and Mitchell which should lead to a high scoring affair.
Pick: Celtics / Jazz *Over* 218
