It’s a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals when the Boston Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s the game of the week as we share our NBA odds series, make a Celtics 76ers prediction and pick as we show you how to watch.
The Celtics clinched a 142-138 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers. Significantly, Jayson Tatum led with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Jalen Brown added 30 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Smart also contributed 15 points. Malcolm Brogdon added 24 points and seven assists from the bench. Meanwhile, Derrick White has also brought in 17 points. The Celtics shot 51.5 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from the 3-point line. In addition, the Celtics won the clash of boards 51-37.
The 76ers win a 110-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. First, the 76ers were 15 behind after the first quarter. But they rallied to win. Significantly, James Harden played his heart out and had 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Joel Embiid had a double-double with 27 points and 19 rebounds. Likewise, Tobias Harris added 20 points. Tyrese Maxey ended with 16 points off the bench. In the end, the 76ers shot just 40.5 percent from the field but played well enough to win. Their defense held the Grizzlies to 21.9 percent from the 3-point line. The Sixers also had 10 blocked shots.
The Celtics are the best team in the NBA with a record of 43-17. Also, they are 19-10 on the road. The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the 76ers go into this game with a record of 39-19. The 76ers are at home 24-8. Also, they are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The Celtics are 2-0 up against the 76ers this season, with both games being played at TD Garden. However, this will be the first game in Philadelphia. The Sixers are 6-4 against the Celtics in their last 10 games at the Wells Fargo Center.
Here are the Celtics-76ers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Celtics 76ers Odds
Boston Celtics: -1.5 (-110)
Philly 76ers: +1.5 (-110)
About: 226 (-112)
Below: 226 (-108)
How to watch Celtics vs 76ers
TV: ABC
Streaming: NBA
Time: 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Celtics could cover the spread
Tatum and Brown are the leaders in this Boston squad. Significantly, Tatum averages 30.6 points per game and 8.7 rebounds, while Brown averages 26.6 points per game and 7.1 rebounds. The Celtics have a reliable third option in Brogdon, who is averaging 14.9 points per game. Meanwhile, there’s White and Smart, who continue to contribute in every game.
The Celtics rank second in the NBA by field goal shooting percentage and fifth best team in 3-point shooting percentage. In addition, the Celtics are also 14th in free throw shooting percent, which is their only “weakness.” Boston excels on the boards and ranks sixth in rebounds. The Celtics also handle the ball well and are eighth in turnovers. But they also remain strong on defense, ranking fifth in blocked shots.
Why the 76ers might cover the spread
The 76ers are a team that always succeeds but never ends its history. Now they look up to a Boston team that was there and did that and will try to prove they can compete with them.
Embiid and Harden are the players to watch out for. Significantly, Embiid is third in the NBA with 35 points per game. He also averages 10.3 rebounds per match. Ultimately, he is a threat and a force on the pitch. Harden averages 21.6 points per game, with 6.2 rebounds and 10.7 assists. Essentially, his hustle helped lead the Sixers to victory over the Grizzlies, and he built incredible chemistry with Embiid. Maxey and Harris are solid secondary options. Ultimately, Maxey averages 19.7 points per game and Harris averages 15.4 points.
The Sixers will cover the spread if they can convert their shots and win the battle of the boards. Then they must stop Tatum and Brown.
Celtics 76ers final prediction and selection
Final Celtics 76ers Prediction & Pick: Philadelphia 76ers: +1.5 (-110)