Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The 5-8 Boston Celtics will host the 5-9 Phoenix Suns on Friday night in a matchup between two scuffling teams who desperately need a win. The Suns' struggles were to be expected this season, but to see the Celtics so far down in the standings is certainly a surprise.

Phoenix scored a victory over the New York Knicks in its last game after five consecutive losses, so it will look to keep momentum on its side. Aside from Steve Nash and Grant Hill, most of the players who are playing a major role with the team are on the younger side, so growing pains are to be expected.

Few teams can boast a roster with as many experienced and successful players as the Celtics. Some of the Celtics' issues stem from injuries to key players—particularly Paul Pierce—but the team as a whole simply hasn't gelled. The "Big Three" and point guard Rajon Rondo remain the key components, but the lack of an interior presence has adversely affected Boston as well.

The season is still young, but both of these teams need to get back on track. That is especially true of the Celtics, as they were expected to compete for the NBA championship. A game against a hungry Phoenix team will surely test their mettle.

Where: TD Garden in Boston, MA.

When: Friday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. EST

Watch: CSNN

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Listen: KTAR 620 AM (Phoenix) and WEEI 93.7 FM (Boston)

Betting Line: Boston (-7)

Suns' Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports): PF Markieff Morris (questionable - illness)

Celtics Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports): PF Jeff Green (out - heart), C Chris Wilcox (out - calf) , PG Keyon Dooling (doubtful - knee), PG Rajon Rondo (questionable - wrist), SG Sasha Pavlovic (questionable - wrist) , C Jermaine O'Neal (probable - wrist)

What's at Stake?

The team that loses this game truly risks letting things slip away from them a bit. I understand that there is still tons of time to play in the season, but since it's shortened to 66 games, wins are at more of a premium. Both teams are in similar situations right now, as they recently snapped long losing streaks.

I don't want to discount the Suns, but I think it's safe to say that the C's need this game much worse. Boston has an aging team with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett serving as key contributors, so their window of opportunity is quite small. The Celtics can't afford to lose winnable games, especially at home, if they want to be viewed as a serious contender.

What They're Saying

Celtics stud point guard Rajon Rondo injured his wrist in Wednesday night's win over the Toronto Raptors, and while he is listed as a game-time decision, his prospects don't look good. Head coach Doc Rivers doubts that his star will be able to suit up tonight, according to Dan Duggan of the Boston Herald.

"

I doubt he plays (tonight), but we’ll see.

That’s part of the job. Rondo is a slighter body, but Chris Paul is aggressive, Deron Williams is aggressive, Derrick Rose—if there’s another word for it, he’s that. That’s how this game is played now, so you just hope that Rondo can hold up.

"

Suns Player to Watch: PG Steve Nash

The Suns may be ushering in a youth movement of sorts, but there is no question that the key to their success is still future-Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash. The 37-year-old Nash may not be the same player he was a few years back, but he remains Phoenix's most consistent offensive producer, averaging 15 points and 10 assists per contest.

He is also the Suns' most efficient player, as he shoots an impressive 55 percent from the floor and 88 percent from the free-throw line. Not only is Nash responsible for creating his own shots, but he is the one who puts every one of his teammates in a position to succeed as well. Pretty much everything is contingent on how well Nash plays.

Celtics Player to Watch: SF Paul Pierce

With do-everything point guard Rajon Rondo's status in doubt, someone else is going to have to step up for the Celtics and take the bull by the horns. I can think of no better player to do just that than the longest-tenured Celtic, small forward Paul Pierce. Although Pierce missed the first three games of the season, he has been a major contributor as always, netting 15 points per game and chipping in rebounds and assists as well.

Pierce's return seemed to stabilize the team after they lost the opening three games of the season, but they fell back into a funk recently. As a veteran player, Pierce has to take it upon himself to will the team to victory if nobody else is able to. He, Allen and Garnett will all have to step their games up if Rondo is out for any period of time.

Key Matchup: Steve Nash vs. Celtics PGs

Both starting point guard Rajon Rondo and backup Keyon Dooling may have to miss Friday night's game, so the Suns figure to have a massive advantage at that position thanks to Steve Nash. Because of his advanced age, Nash probably would have had some trouble with Rondo's speed, athleticism and active hands, but he may luck out and not have to deal with it.

The likely starter for the Celtics will be second-year combo guard Avery Bradley, who has yet to prove much in his young career. Nash is a savvy veteran who knows every trick in the book, so there is a distinct possibility that he can victimize Bradley. If he does, then the Suns have a much better chance of winning.

Prediction

Celtics 90, Suns 85