Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/8/23)

The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Boston Celtics in a big Eastern Conference clash. The 76ers are coming off a road loss to the New York Knicks, while the Celtics are coming off a road win against the Pistons. This is an interesting matchup for seeding in the Eastern Conference Playoff Standings. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds

The Boston Celtics are 4-point home favorites against the Philadelphia 76ers and are -180 on the money line. The over/under is also at 225. The Celtics being favored makes sense because they’re playing like the best team in the East and are at home. The over/under also makes sense because these teams are both very good on offense. This spread should also stay where it’s at before tip-off.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Prediction

The pick: Boston Celtics -4

The Boston Celtics are the best team in the Eastern Conference right now. Jayson Tatum is the main reason and is one of the best players in the NBA right now. He leads the team in scoring and rebounds per game for the season. Jaylen Brown is a great sidekick and is right behind Tatum in scoring. Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White are also key contributors in the backcourt with Marcus Smart sidelined.

As a team, the Celtics are solid on both offense and defense. They are top-3 in points scored at 117.6 per game and are first in point differential at +5.9. They are also top-10 in points allowed and rebounds per game. They are also top five in blocks per game at 5.4.

On the other side, the Philadelphia 76ers have been very good this year too. Joel Embiid has done it all for the 76ers this year. He leads the team in scoring, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game on the season. Tyrese Maxey and James Harden are great in the backcourt too and provide help when needed for Embiid. Tobias Harris has also been good as a stretch forward too.

As a team, the 76ers are solid on both offense and defense. They are top-10 in field goal percentage and top five in point differential at +3.6. They are also top five in points allowed at 110.9.

The Celtics are the pick here because of the home court advantage. They are the more complete team than the 76ers and while both teams are dealing with injuries, the Celtics are better prepared to overcome theirs tonight.

Betting Trends

76ers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

Key Matchups

Can Tobias Harris matchup with Jayson Tatum? Can Robert Williams III matchup with Joel Embiid?

Jayson Tatum vs. Tobias Harris

Jayson Tatum is playing like one of the best players in the NBA this year. He averages 31 points, 5 assists, and 9 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Tobias Harris most of the game, who averages 16 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Tatum is playing like one of the best players in the NBA this year. Harris is a very good player, but has a tough assignment against Tatum because he does it all for the Celtics.

Joel Embiid vs. Robert Williams III

Joel Embiid is playing like an MVP this year. He averages 33 points, 4 assists, and 10 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched against Robert Williams III most of the game, who averages 9 points, 2 assists, and 8 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Embiid has been the best player the 76ers have this season. Williams has been a very good defender, but he has a very tough assignment in this game because Embiid does it all for the 76ers too.

Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup

PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: James Harden
SF: Tobias Harris
PF: P.J. Tucker
C: Joel Embiid

Boston Celtics Starting Lineups

PG: Malcolm Brogdon
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Al Horford
C: Robert Williams III

Key Injuries

Philadelphia 76ers Injuries: C Joel Embiid (Foot) Q

Boston Celtics Injuries: PG Marcus Smart (Ankle) O, C Robert Williams (Ankle) Q