The Boston Celtics (2-3) and Philadelphia 76ers (4-0) meet in an Eastern Conference battle Friday. Tip from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. 76ers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: 76ers lead 1-0
The Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 125-105 Wednesday, covering as a 3.5-point home underdog as the Under (233.5) cashed. F Jaylen Brown led the way with 30 points and has picked up much of the scoring load with F Jayson Tatum out with a torn Achilles. Boston, which lost its first 3 games, has won and covered in 2 straight contests.
The 76ers beat the Washington Wizards 139-134 in overtime Tuesday, covering as a 4.5-point road favorite. The Over (239.5) hit as the 76ers had a +16 fourth quarter to force extra time. G Tyrese Maxey dropped a game-high 39 points on 11-for-25 shooting. Philadelphia and Chicago are the lone undefeated teams in the East.
This game will be part of the NBA Cup group play. The 76ers beat the Celtics 117-116 in each team’s first game of the season on Oct. 22. Philadelphia closed as a 6-point underdog in the road win.
Celtics at 76ers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Celtics +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | 76ers -135 (bet $135 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +1.5 (-102) | 76ers -1.5 (-118)Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Celtics at 76ers key injuries
Celtics
F Jayson Tatum (achilles) out
76ers
F Paul George (knee) outG Jared McCain (thumb) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at 76ers picks and predictionsPrediction
76ers 122, Celtics 116
PASS.
The 76ers (-135) are rolling, but look to the small spread for a better price.
BET 76ERS -1.5 (-118).
The Celtics have not performed favorably on the road, going 1-2 straight up and 1-2 ATS. They are 0-2 ATS as a road underdog. With Tatum sidelined, Brown is the only player scoring more than 17 points per game. That lack of star power will make competing with the 76ers difficult.
Philadelphia is 3-1 ATS. It ranks second in the NBA in offensive rating, so it has been extremely efficient on that side of the court. The 76ers also rank atop the league in turnover rate. With C Joel Embiid healthy, expect Philadelphia to put on a show. Take 76ERS -1.5 (-118).
BET OVER 234.5 (-110).
These teams like to shoot 3s, and they take a lot of them. The 76ers rank third (16.3) and the Celtics sit fourth (16.0) in made 3s per game.
Both teams have scored at least 122 points in each of their last 2 games, so they are scorching hot offensively coming into this game. With the 76ers 4-0 O/U and averaging 130.5 points per game at home, expect points in bunches and back OVER 234.5 (-110).
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