Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics odds predictions pick betting line spread

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Philadelphia 76ers (10-17) and Boston Celtics (22-7) meet for a Christmas Day clash Wednesday. Tip-off from TD Garden is set for 5 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Boston won 3-1 last season

Philadelphia picked up a 111-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs Monday as a 5.5-point favorite. G Tyrese Maxey played hero after superstar C Joel Embiid was ejected in the second quarter for arguing with a refereer. Maxey finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Boston took a surprising 108-104 loss Monday against the Orlando Magic, who are still without 2 two best players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Celtics, who were without F Jayson Tatum, struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 8-of-32 (25%),as they failed to cover as 9.5-point favorites against Orlando.

76ers at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 12:11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Celtics -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +8.5 (-110) | Celtics -8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

C Andre Drummond (toe) questionable
C Joel Embiid (sinus) available
G Eric Gordon (mouth) probable
G Jared McCain (knee) out

Celtics

G Jrue Holiday (shoulder) questionable
F Jayson Tatum (illness) questionable
G Derrick White (hamstring) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 109, 76ers 106

Moneyline

PASS.

Boston will pick up the win, but is not worth betting on as a -375 favorite.

Against the spread

LEAN 76ERS +8.5 (-110).

Philadelphia has been much improved as of late since its abysmal start to the season. It is 7-3 in its last 10 games and 6-4 ATS. On the other hand, Boston is a terrible 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games.

If Tatum does miss this game, or is not the best version of himself due to his illness, then Philly’s chances of covering are significantly increased.

This is a very slight lean as Boston is the much better team and as Philadelphia is only 10-17 ATS this season.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 221.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in each of Boston’s last 5 games and is 8-2 in the Celtics’ last 10 games. The Under is also 16-12-1 for Boston this year.

The Under has also hit in 4 of the last 6 matchups between these squads.

This is a risky bet as both teams have enough star power to produce an onslaught of points on any given night.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 7 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 7 odds and lines, with expert NBA picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics play a decisive Game 7 in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series on Sunday at TD Garden. Tip for Game 7 is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions

The series is tied 3-3. Philadelphia led the series 3-2, but blew a chance to put Boston away in Game 6 at Wells Fargo Center, losing 95-86.

The Celtics played just 7 players in Game 6, as head coach Joe Mazzulla shortened up the bench. G Marcus Smart was the top scorer, going for 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 3 triples. He also added 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Overall, Boston shot 42.3% from the floor in Game 6, while knocking down 42.9% from behind the arc (15-of-35).

The 76ers weren’t as efficient, shooting just 36.1% (30-of-83), while hitting just 23.5% (8-of-34) from downtown. Philly took good care of the ball, turning it over just 11 times, to 17 for Boston. However, the Celtics held a 50-to-38 rebounding margin.

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76ers at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Celtics -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +6.5 (-110) | Celtics -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 201.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

None

Celtics

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 101, Celtics 99

Moneyline

The 76ERS (+220) are worth playing for a chance to double up in this decisive Game 7.

Philly is on the road, but home-court advantage hasn’t meant a lot in this series so far. The home team is just 3-3 SU through the first 6 games in this series.

I feel as if the 76ers played their worst possible game last time out, but they’ll rebound nicely. Before flaming out in Game 6, Philly had rolled up 115.5 PPG in the previous 2 contests, winning both outings, including Game 5 in Boston.

Against the spread

76ERS +6.5 (-110) is the play if you can’t bring yourself to playing them straight up on the road.

The 76ers are 5-1-1 ATS in the past 7 games on the road, while going 7-3 ATS in the past 10 games following a straight-up loss.

The Celtics -6.5 (-110) are both 1-4 ATS in the past 5 games following a straight-up win, as well as the past 5 games after a cover in the previous outing.

Over/Under

UNDER 201.5 (-115) is the lean in Game 7.

The Under is 15-7 in the past 22 Conference Semifinals games for the Celtics, while going 22-10 in the past 32 outings when playing on 2 days of rest.

We had a total of just 181 points in Game 6, and we should see some lower scores in this decisive Game 7, as we might have some nerves early on both sides.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 5 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics play Game 5 of their East semifinals series Tuesday at TD Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The series is tied 2-2 straight up and against the spread (ATS).

The 76ers covered the spread as 1-point home underdogs Sunday in a 116-115 Game 4 overtime win vs. the Celtics as the Over (214) hit. G James Harden made the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime and had 42 points as Philadelphia improved to 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games.

F Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points and a game-high 18 rebounds, and G Jaylen Brown added 23 points. Boston trailed by as many as 16 points in the 2nd half.

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76ers at Celtics odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:38 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +245 (bet $100 to win $245) | Celtics -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread: 76ers +7.5 (-110) | Celtics -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 213 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable

Celtics

G Jaylen Brown (face) available

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 106, Celtics 105

Moneyline

Sprinkle on 76ERS (+245).

The Celtics are just 3-2 at home this postseason while the 76ers are 3-1 on the road. The resurgence of Harden (28.8 points per game in East semifinals) has changed the landscape of this series and Boston has struggled to win close games. The improving 76ers are worth betting at this number and should be confident heading into Game 5 after an impressive overtime win last time out.

Against the spread

BET 76ERS +7.5 (-110).

The 76ers have been overperforming against expectation in away games and are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 on the road. 76ers coach Doc Rivers appears to be outcoaching 1st-year Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and should be able to, at the very least, keep this game close. Take the points with Harden and the 76ers who are getting better at closing out games, while Tatum and Brown seem to be deferring to G Marcus Smart.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 213 (-110).

The Under is 12-5 in Philadelphia’s last 17 games after 1 day of rest and 14-6 in Boston’s last 20 in the East semifinals. These teams tend to play low-scoring games vs. each other in Boston, with the Under hitting in 5 of the last 7, and Game 5 should go under the total once again as both teams tighten up defensively in an attempt to take control of the series.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 2 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers battle the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday. Tip from TD Garden is set for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The No. 3 seeded Sixers remain undefeated in the playoffs after a 119-115 Game 1 victory. Philadelphia trailed by 12 points at one point, but G James Harden carried the load in the comeback with 45 points on 7-of-14 shooting from deep. G Tyrese Maxey came up in key moments as well, scoring 26 points. Philadelphia committed just 8 turnovers the entire game.

Celtics F Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with 39 points and 11 rebounds while F Jaylen Brown and F Malcolm Brogdon each had at least 20 points. Boston dominated Philadelphia in the paint, outscoring them 66-42.

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76ers at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:53 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Celtics -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +7.5 (-110) | Celtics -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) doubtful

Celtics

G Marcus Smart (chest) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 114, 76ers 104

Moneyline

PASS.

The Celtics (-350) moneyline does not present any profit as they enter off a loss. Boston has lost its last 2 home playoff games but both defeats were by a combined 6 points. Expect Boston to figure it out in Game 2 to even the series.

Against the spread

LEAN CELTICS -7.5 (-110).

While Philadelphia was mostly able to compensate for Embiid being sidelined in Game 1, Boston destroyed them in the paint for a lot of easy buckets. Expect the Celtics to put more pressure on the 76ers defensively to create more turnovers.

Harden was able to carry the load on offense last game, but the Sixers will struggle to keep up with the high-powered Celtics unless he has another 40-point outing.

Over/Under

BET OVER 217.5 (-110).

The Over is 5-0 in the Celtics’ last 5 games overall by an average margin of 16.6 points, and 2 of those games were at TD Garden. They have scored with ease over that span, scoring no fewer than 119 points and as many as 130.

The Over is 5-3 in the Sixers’ last 8 games with them putting up as many as 136.

Both teams found success from the free throw line and from 3-point range in Game 1, a trend that should continue and aid the Over.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Game 1 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in TD Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The No. 2-seed Celtics beat the No. 7 Hawks 4-2 in the 1st round. They won 3 of the 1st 4, lost 119-117 at home in Game 5 before closing out it 128-120 in Atlanta. Boston was 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in the 6-game series and the Over was 4-2. With the postseason included, the Celtics are 26-18 ATS at home this season.

No. 3 Philadelphia swept the No. 6 Brooklyn Nets in the 1st round and were 3-0-1 ATS while the O/Uwas 1-3. Philly is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games and with the postseason included are 24-18-1 ATS on the road this season, the 5th-best road-covering record.

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76ers at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:14 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Celtics -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +10.5 (-115) | Celtics -10.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

Not yet submitted

Celtics

Not yet submitted

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 114, 76ers 106

Moneyline

PASS.

C Joel Embiid, one of the favorites for MVP that will be anounced on Tuesday, is doubtful for this game. The moneyline had that priced in for the 76ers, and their chance to pull off the upset isn’t worthy of a play, even at (+400).

The Celtics are 34-10 at home, the 4th-best record in the NBA. But, at (-550), they are too expensive to play and not worth the risk.

Against the spread

LEAN 76ERS +10.5 (-115).

As we saw down the stretch in Game 4 against the Nets, the 76ers have the talent to not necessarily play through Embiid. G Tyrese Maxey took over that game. G James Harden and Maxey both averaged over 20 points per game. F Tobias Harris averaged 14.7 per game as well.

They have the firepower to survive without Embiid, and covered 3 of 4 against Brooklyn, Philly has been able to cover on the road for most of the season and played well in the 1st round.

Boston, on the other hand, struggled in the last few games against Atlanta. The Celtics allowed 130, 121, 119 and 120 points in the last 4 games of their 1st-round series, and the 76ers offense was the 3rd-most efficient while the Hawks ranked 7th during the regular season.

Philly should be able to find the holes like Atlanta did and have big-time playmakers to keep this game within single digits even if Embiid is out. Take the 76ERS +10.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET OVER 213.5 (-110).

The Celtics went Over in their last 4 games against the Hawks. While they gave up points, they also scored with ease — scoring 122, 129, 117 and 128 points.

They have the firepower in F Jayson Tatum and F Jaylen Brown, who combined to averaged 57.7 points per game in the regular season. Boston has gone Over in 9 of its last 13 games.

Both teams ranked top-3 in offensive rating during the regular season as well, so efficiency will be key which should aid consistent scoring. Philly has gone Over in 4 of its last 7.

Back the OVER 213.5 (-110).

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (34-18) visit the Boston Celtics (38-16) Wednesday at TD Garden in their 2nd meeting of the season. Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The 76ers lost Sunday to the New York Knicks 108-97 as 4.5-point favorites, snapping their 2-game winning streak. Prior to that loss, the 76ers had won 8 straight road games. They’re still 30-22 ATS this season, among the best records in the NBA. Unfortunately, they could be without their top player as C Joel Embiid is uncertain to play due to a foot injury.

The Celtics bounced back from a bad loss to the Phoenix Suns by beating the Detroit Pistons convincingly, 111-99 to easily cover the 8.5-point spread. Despite going 3-4 in their last 7 games, the Celtics still own the best record in the NBA, a half-game clear of the Denver Nuggets.

The 76ers lost 126-117 to the Celtics in the season-opener on Oct. 18 as 2.5-point underdogs while the 216.5 Over connected.

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76ers at Celtics odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Celtics -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +4.5 (-110) | Celtics -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

C Joel Embiid (foot) questionable

Celtics

G Jaylen Brown (illness) probable
F Luke Kornet (ankle) probable
G Marcus Smart (ankle) out
C Robert Williams (ankle) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 113, 76ers 110

Moneyline

This line could move depending on Embiid’s status, so it might be wise to wait for his official designation. I like the Celtics to win either way but if Embiid plays, the ML should move slightly in Philadelphia’s direction.

At -190, there isn’t a lot of value in taking the Celtics, who have been up and down in the last 2 weeks. I would PASS on the moneyline and instead bet on the spread.

Against the spread

The Celtics have struggled to cover the spread recently, going just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games. They were favored in 9 of those 10 games, 7 times as favorites of 7.5 points or more, but they simply haven’t been blowing teams out.

The 76ers are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games and are 7-5 ATS this season when getting 1-4.5 points, as they on Wednesday. I like the 76ERS +4.5 (-110) against Boston on the road where they’re 14-10 SU this season.

Over/Under

The Under is 6-4 in the Celtics’ last 10 games and 5-5 in the 76ers’ last 10, so the Under has been the better pick for these teams lately. It’s also been an even split, 5-5, in the last 10 meetings between these teams.

Bet the UNDER 224.5 (-108) in this one. The line could drop further if Embiid is ruled out, so 224.5 is a good number to take now.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers travel to TD Garden to take on the Boston Celtics in both teams’ season openers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The 76ers come into this season after finishing 4th in the Eastern Conference last year. C Joel Embiid and former MVP G James Harden will lead this team with ultra-high expectations.

Expect to hear the name G Tyrese Maxey called often as both he and F Tobias Harris will be the key complementary pieces for this offense. Philadelphia dispatched the Toronto Raptors 4-2 in the opener round of the postseason last year but was bounced in the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-2 by the Miami Heat.

The Celtics added G Malcolm Brogdon this offseason to help boost their championship aspiration. The often-injured C Robert Williams won’t be ready for the season opener.

F Jayson Tatum and F Jaylen Brown are the studs for Boston and will be given the bulk of the offensive responsibility. Boston had the best defensive rating last season. The Celtics lost the NBA Finals 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors.

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76ers at Celtics odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Celtics -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +2.5 (-105) | Celtics -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

None

Celtics

F Danilo Gallinari (knee) out
C Robert Williams (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 106, Celtics 104

Moneyline

PASS.

I like the 76ers, and while the money line odds are enticing, they did lose a game by 1 point last season, which happened to be the 1st of 4 meetings between these teams.

It should be a thriller but taking the points is the smarter move here.

Against the spread

LEAN 76ERS +2.5 (-105).

The 76ers would’ve covered this spread in 3 of the 4 matchups between these teams last season and in both of the battles in Boston.

Similarly, Harden has looked slimmed down and should be improved during his first full offseason in the City of Brotherly Love. Philly is also the far healthier team with Boston missing arguably its best defender with Williams sidelined which will result in Embiid taking on the 36-year-old C Al Horford. Expect the MVP candidate to get opportunities early and often.

The Celtics may also have some hangover after an NBA Finals run last season. I’d take the points with Philly here.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 216.5 (-112).

There’s not a ton of reason to think this will be super high scoring. Boston was the No. 1 defense in the NBA last season, jumping Golden State in the middle of the season.

Most of its key defenders will be active in G Marcus Smart and Brown. The 76ers had the 5th-lowest pace last year, and the Celtics had the 7th-lowest pace. These teams don’t try to get up and down the court much.

Philadelphia was 43-49-2 Over/Under last season while Boston was 51-54-1, so betting the Under for both teams would’ve been the more profitable wager. Considering it all, this is my favorite bet in the matchup.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (11-10) travel to TD Garden Wednesday to take on the Boston Celtics (11-10). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the 76ers at Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Both teams are coming into this game having been relatively disappointing to start the season.

Led by MVP finalist Joel Embiid, the Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games. They have the eighth-best offensive rating and eighth-best true shooting percentage, so offensively, they get the job done.

Defensively is another story. It’s the opposite for Boston, who has struggled offensively yet has a top-ten ranked defense. They’re led by star F Jayson Tatum.

Boston is 12-9 ATS while Philadelphia is 9-11-1 ATS.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 1 breakdown

76ers at Celtics odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:09 p.m. ET.

Money line: 76ers +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Celtics -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +2.5 (-105) | Celtics -2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 205.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

G Ben Simmons (personal) out

Celtics

F Jaylen Brown (reconditioning) questionable

76ers at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 103, Celtics 101

Money line

BET on the SIXERS (+122) because this team is almost back to full strength, and I like to bet the underdog’s money line when I see a value like this.

Despite the absence of Simmons, Philly is virtually the same team that the Eastern Conference last season, and earlier in the season, it was playing like it. The Sixers are 8-3 with Embiid on the court.

With Al Horford and Robert Williams down low, the Celtics give up the sixth-fewest opponents’ points in the paint. For the Sixers, shooting more threes could bode well as they rank ninth in three-point percentage.

Shooting a high volume isn’t their forte, but if they can knock them down at a high rate it would cause trouble for Boston.

Given that neither team is elite on the offensive glass nor turns the ball over, this should be a more methodical, half-court game which bodes well for the better shooting team. Philly ranks 11th in field goal percentage while Boston barely cracks the top 25.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the SIXERS +2.5 (-105). While I like the value here, especially with the points, the solid plus-money wager on the money line seems like a smarter move.

The Sixers were 3-0 against Boston last year without a single game being decided by five or fewer points.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 210.5 (-108) as the better side.

Both teams rank in the bottom ten in pace. With Embiid orchestrating the offense on one end and Tatum along with two inefficient guards on the other end, I would lean against points.

This total would’ve been 1-2 in last year’s matchups. However, without Simmons to push the pace and potentially without Jaylen Brown as well, I would prefer the safer side, which feels like the Under.

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