Friday Night NBA Free Total

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Brad Stevens has to be happy with the way his Celtics have played as of late, but even more happier with Rajon Rondo. Rondo seems to be playing freer on a team with zero expectations. That hasn’t stopped him from being the natural facilitator that he is. Teammates of his that would normally be nothing more than subpar as starters have been lifted by his play.

From the Phoenix Suns standpoint they continue to defy NBA experts and GM’s of the former teams of players such as Miles Plumlee, Gerald Green, PJ Tucker, Goron Dragic, and even Eric Bledsoe. You could of argued for a stretch that is was a mirage but the season is nearing completion.

With Eric Bledsoe back and the Suns normal pace of play this line is set at 208 points. Usually that’s a solid total to scream at taking the over on Phoenix. To me though there are two reasons to take the under here, one is that the Suns have looked a bit tired over there last couple of games. Their pace of play added onto a dictated schedule seems to have finally worn their legs down a bit.

With wins mattering more down the stretch I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jeff Hornacek slow the pace down intermittently. From Boston’s standpoint they’re just not a high percentage shooting team. They were able to do it for a few games over the past few weeks but that is definitely not typical of the Celtics this season.

Take the under here.