in NBA Betting Trends

While the Boston Celtics, (51-12 SU, 38-23-2 ATS, 29-33-1 O/U) at home tonight.

Winners of 10 consecutive games in the BetUS.com Sportsbook coming into this matchup, the Celtics have been using their spectacular defense to shut opponents down all season, but have been even stingier during their recent winning streak, holding their opponents to a miniscule average of 86.0 points per game on a dismal 36.0 shooting percentage.

"We are talking more than ever and we feel connected," Boston's Kevin Garnett said. "Any team can beat you in this league, but confidence-wise we are strong 1 to 12 and that is a rarity."

After holding the Seattle Supersonics to just 82 points in their 11-82 victory on Wednesday, Sonics head coach P.J. Carlesimo was nearly left in awe by Boston’s defensive play.

"People talk about the Celtics' offense, but if anything they are a better defensive team," Carlesimo said. "There aren't that many teams close to them defensively."

While the Jazz own a better home record than the Celtics, they have struggled on the road often this season, going 15-20 so far this season while getting mixed results at best.

"We have had that problem all season," blossoming young point guard Deron Williams said. "Sometimes we play down, and it's something we can't do. We've got to attack everybody like they're the best team in the league because right now we can't afford any more losses. You see how tough the West is. Teams aren't losing right now."

Utah has gone 5-2 against the spread in their last seven contests, but comes in failing to have covered the spread in two straight while the Celtics are a solid 7-3 against the spread in their last ten games and come into this contest riding a five-game ATS winning streak.

The Celtics beat the Jazz on the road 104-98 on Dec. 29.

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Picks.

The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in their last eleven games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

The Jazz are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. win.

The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a SU win of more than ten points.

The Over is 6-0-1 in Jazz last seven games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The Over is 7-1 in Celtics last eight games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.

The Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.

The Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Boston.

Analysis: While I love the way the Jazz play the game under the venerable Jerry Sloan, I think this road matchup against the Celtics will be a bit too much for them to handle tonight. This point spread makes the wager very interesting, but in the end, I say the Celtics cover by the slimmest of margins. I think an even better wager however, would be to take the ‘Under’ as the Celtics are playing ‘lockdown’ defense every night.

NBA Free Picks: Under 204½ Total Points/Boston -7½ Points

07:35 PM EST

Utah Jazz +7½ -110

Boston Celtics -7½ -110

Over 204½ -110

Under 204½ -110

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