Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers 2/15/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Matchup Preview (2/15/22)

The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers face-off in what could have been James Harden’s first game as a Sixer, but has since been ruled out through the All-Star Break. Harden was dealt to Philadelphia in a trade that shocked the entire league. It was clear that Harden wanted out of Brooklyn after he voiced his displeasure, but many people did not think a deal would get done. Regardless, the Sixers were able to bring in Harden and Paul Millsap but had to part ways with Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and a few first-round picks. They should still have plenty of shooting, but now they do not have a solid backup center to give Embiid a rest throughout the game. This should not be a major problem against the Celtics, who don’t have any true centers outside of Robert Williams; however, it could be a problem in the future.

For the Celtics, they made several impressive moves before the trade deadline, including the acquisition of Derrick White, who has quickly made an impact in a thin Celtics’ backcourt. White played somewhat of a “second fiddle” to Dejounte Murray in many ways in San Antonio but should have some moments to shine in Boston. I detail below, under the Celtics vs. Sixers Betting Odds header, my opinion on who I think will win this matchup and how it will be a close game the whole way!

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Betting Odds

The Sixers and Celtics match up well as defensive-minded teams that play slower. Boston has had the best defense in the NBA for several weeks, which could make it difficult for Philly to put up points. Additionally, the Sixers will not have Harden in the lineup, so this game should go to Boston on the road. The Sixers still have Matisse Thybulle to guard either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, so it will certainly be a close game, but I’ll take the Boston Celtics against the spread.

How To Watch

Date: 2/15/22
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
Channel: TNT

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Boston Celtics Starting Lineup

PG: Marcus Smart
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Robert Williams III
C: Al Horford

Boston Celtics Analysis

Besides the Phoenix Suns, it is difficult to pinpoint any team that may be hotter than the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have had the number one defense in the NBA for several weeks in every major defensive statistical category. Over their past 11 games, Boston is 10-1 and has only allowed 93.6 points per game to opponents on 38% from the field and 29% from behind the arc. Not only are they clocking on the defensive end, but they have improved offensively as well. Boston has shot roughly 47% from the field and posted 112.3 points per game in that span. This has made the C’s one of the higher scoring teams in the NBA in the past month, which is shocking based on some of the struggles they have had last season and earlier this season.

Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup

PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: Danny Green
SF: Matisse Thybulle
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers Analysis

The question on everyone’s mind was whether or not James Harden would make his Philadelphia 76ers debut on Tuesday or not. There has been an update on this in the past few hours, and Philadelphia has stated that he will not be a “go.” Harden has been battling a hamstring injury that the organization may have slightly exaggerated due to the trade deadline; however, it has been an injury that has nagged him over the last year. The acquisition of Harden has significantly altered the Sixers’ roster, so it will be interesting to see how they mesh eventually. The Sixers brought Paul Millsap and James Harden in the trade but sent a couple of first-rounders, Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond. Drummond and Curry will be significant losses for a team that values shooting and a solid backup big man to give Embiid a rest when he needs it. Luckily, Philadelphia still has Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, Georges Niang, Danny Green, and Furkan Korkmaz, so it does have some depth. However, now, the Sixers will have to rely on Paul Reed to give valuable minutes off the bench for Embiid. Reed does not have much NBA experience, but hopefully, he can get enough before the playoffs.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Daily Fantasy Picks

Matisse Thybulle will likely be chasing Jayson Tatum around for most of the game, forcing him into tough shots. That is not to say that Tatum will not make some shots, but he will likely not have a 38-point night as he did in the C’s last game against the Atlanta Hawks. This could be an excellent opportunity for Jaylen Brown, who will instead have Danny Green guarding him primarily. Green is not a bad defender but does not compare in any way, shape, or form to Thybulle. Brown should get plenty of good looks and could be in for a 30+ point night in this matchup.

It’s going to be quite difficult to look at anyone else besides Joel Embiid in DFS for this slate. Embiid is a clear MVP frontrunner this season and has been on a tear after a slow start to the 2021-22 NBA season. He has posted roughly 30 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, 1.5 blocks, and one steal per game on the season. His impact on both ends of the floor cannot possibly be understated; he has turned this team into a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference despite playing the whole season without star guard Ben Simmons. Embiid is fresh off a triple-double of 40 points, 14 rebounds, ten assists, and three steals on merely 22 field goal attempts. It will be hard for Jo-Jo to replicate these numbers against one of the league’s best defenses, but his usage will be extremely high, so give him a look in DFS.