The Boston Celtics have shown a decent run of form in their last 10 games, securing seven wins and suffering three losses. Their recent away games, including a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, revealed defensive vulnerabilities, with an average of 118 points conceded in their last two matches, suggesting a potential lapse in defensive intensity. In contrast, the Utah Jazz are also performing well, having defeated the Detroit Pistons at home and then convincingly overcoming the San Antonio Spurs in a back-to-back away game. Returning home, the Jazz are given a seven-point advantage, likely to leverage their recent performance. Furthermore, the Jazz won their previous encounter against the Celtics this season, adding to their motivation for a strong showing at home. However, the current favour for the Jazz appears slightly overvalued. While the Celtics have exhibited some defensive issues recently, their overall strength remains considerable. Their tactical planning and the performance of key players offer substantial competitiveness, especially considering their home-court advantage and strong desire to win. Prediction: Boston Celtics -8.5