The Boston Celtics have been on quite a roll over the past couple of weeks with six wins in their last eight outings. Even more impressive might be that they won three of their last four games on the road where they have mediocre at best. While Boston hasn’t officially clinched a playoff spot yet, it is inevitable that they will. One Eastern Conference team that has already stamped its post-season ticket is the Philadelphia 76, who will host the Celtics on Wednesday. As of Monday, the Sixers have put together a four-game winning streak which includes victories over Milwaukee and Indiana. Philly holds a two-game lead over the Celtics who would like to move up a notch to secure home-court advantage in the first round.
Boston has absolutely dominated the Sixers in recent years. They took three of four games in the 2016-17 season and then three of four regular-season games in 2017-18 before knocking their division rivals out of the playoffs in five games. Boston has won and covered their first three games against Philly this year and is looking for the season sweep. Speaking of covering, Boston is 10-2 ATS in its last dozen meetings with the Sixers. As for Boston’s recent visits to the City of Brotherly Love, the Celtics are 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS. Philadelphia will be challenged to extend its home winning streak.
Philly fans who might be hesitant to bet on their team have a pretty good alternative in betting on the under. The under is 10-4 in the Sixers’ last 14 home games and 15-5 in their last 20 overall. This trend is in tune with Boston’s under record of 10-3 in their last 13 road games although the under is just 8-6 in Boston’s last 14 overall.
Philadelphia has not performed particularly well against Atlantic Division teams this year going 6-8 SU and 4-10 ATS. However, they are 3-3 SU and ATS at home versus division rivals. On the other hand, the Celtics have had a lot of success against division rivals this year going 10-4 SU and 7-6-1 ATS. They are a respectable 3-3 in road games versus the Atlantic Division but only 1-4-1 ATS in those games. Eight of their last nine games against divisional opponents have gone under the posted total, reinforcing the attractiveness of the under.
Al Horford’s status has yet to be confirmed for Wednesday’s tilt while Joel Embiid, who will rest on Tuesday, is expected to be in the lineup. The Sixers have played back-to-back games on 10 occasions this season and they are just 3-7 SU and ATS on the back ends. Both teams should be quite motivated to get the win but Boston appears to be the team with more reasons to want this one. Either way, it’s hard to bet against the Celtics in this spot.
My Pick: Boston Celtics ATS
