The Philadelphia 76ers (20-20) will have their hands full against the league’s top shooting defense when they square off with the Boston Celtics (34-11) at TD Garden. The game will air on TNT at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 211.5 points with Boston opening as a 6-point favorite.
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Betting Prediction
The last time the 76ers played, they beat the Toronto Raptors, 117-111. Philadelphia was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The 76ers made 31 of their 38 free throws (81.6 percent), while the Raptors were 26-30 (86.7 percent). Philadelphia was led by Joel Embiid, who was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 11-for-21 shooting.
The Celtics lost a close one to the New Orleans Pelicans in their last contest, 116-113. Getting to the charity stripe was one of New Orleans’ largest strengths. They made 25 trips to the line, while Boston went 16 times. With 27 points on 8-for-24 shooting, Kyrie Irving led Boston in scoring.
Boston appears to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Celtics rank first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.484), while Philadelphia is 11th in effective field goal percentage (0.523). It will also be a matchup of opposite styles as the up-tempo 76ers rank second in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Celtics rank 22nd.
Philadelphia comes into the game with records of 20-20 straight up (SU) and 22-18 against the spread (ATS). 76ers games tend to finish over the O/U total (55.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Boston is 34-11 SU and 27-16-2 ATS. Unlike Philadelphia, Celtics games have a slight tendency to go under the projected point total (51.1 percent).
JJ Redick has averaged 20.6 points over the last five games for Philadelphia.
The Celtics have emerged victorious in all three matchups against the 76ers this year, including a 114-103 victory in their last matchup. Boston covered as a 1.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 217 points, which was 5.5 points above the projected point total of 211.5 points. The Celtics had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 7.9) and had a better turnover percentage (15.6 vs. 17.4). Marcus Morris was a standout player in the game, putting up 19 points and eight rebounds.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Philadelphia is 11-10 ATS on the road with 13 overs and 8 unders.
Boston is 13-9-2 ATS at home with 13 overs and 11 unders.
Boston is 24-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Philadelphia is 6-0.
The Celtics are 24-5 when they score over 100 points, while the 76ers are 19-13.
Boston ranks sixth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Philadelphia ranks last (9.3).
The 76ers rank eighth in points in the paint per game (47.1) while the Celtics rank 29th (39.4).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (47.6) while Boston ranks 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (44.1).
The Celtics rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the 76ers rank 25th (5.5).
Boston ranks eighth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.2) while Philadelphia ranks 27th (19.4).
The 76ers rank third in assists per game (25.9) while the Celtics rank 19th (22.2).
Boston ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.5) while Philadelphia ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (29.4).
The Celtics rank third in fast break points allowed per game (9.3) while the 76ers rank ninth (10.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Boston is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 0.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 101.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 95.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
