Boston Celtics Medium Favorite (-3.5 to -7) Betting Trend

The Celtics' struggles as medium favorites stem from their historically inconsistent approach to games they're expected to control. Boston has long been a team that plays to the level of their competition, often showing up flat against opponents they should handle comfortably. This tendency becomes magnified in the 3.5 to 7-point spread range, where they face teams good enough to compete but not strong enough to demand their absolute best effort. The franchise's championship-or-bust mentality under different coaching regimes has created a pattern where regular season games against mid-tier opponents lack the intensity needed to cover substantial spreads. The Celtics frequently build early leads only to coast through stretches, allowing opponents to stay within striking distance. Their reliance on three-point shooting also creates volatility - when shots aren't falling, what should be comfortable wins become nail-biters. Boston's veteran leadership has sometimes worked against them in these spots, as experienced players pace themselves for more meaningful contests. The team's depth, while beneficial over a full season, can lead to rotational experiments that disrupt rhythm against beatable opponents. This trend matters most during the regular season's middle months when playoff positioning feels secure but seeding battles haven't intensified, creating the perfect storm for letdown performances.