Boston Celtics Small Favorite (-1 to -3) Betting Trend

The Celtics' struggles as small favorites stem from their historically inconsistent approach to games where they're expected to win narrowly. Boston's championship-caliber talent often creates a psychological trap where the team assumes they can flip a switch against supposedly inferior opponents, leading to sluggish starts and lackadaisical defensive rotations that keep games closer than the betting line suggests. This pattern reflects a deeper issue with Boston's competitive psychology. The Celtics have built their identity around rising to meet elite competition, but when facing teams they're only slightly favored against, they often match their opponent's energy level rather than imposing their superior talent. Their recent championship experience hasn't eliminated this tendency, as championship teams sometimes develop an unconscious expectation that wins should come easier than they actually do. The most telling aspect of this trend is how it spans multiple roster iterations, suggesting it's more about organizational culture and game preparation than specific personnel. When Boston faces a team they should beat but aren't overwhelming favorites against, they frequently play down to competition level. This trend matters most when the Celtics face sub-.500 teams at home where the spread sits between 1-3 points, particularly in regular season games with minimal playoff implications.