76ers vs. Celtics: Here's our betting preview for this Atlantic Division showdown
The 76ers (12-6, 2nd in Atlantic) and Celtics (14-4, 1st in Atlantic) meet for the third time already this season when Philadelphia heads to Boston this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.
These Atlantic Division rivals split the two matchups earlier in the year. Philly won 106-103 on Nov. 8 but the Celtics got their revenge a week later on Nov. 15 with a 117-107 victory.
This is the first game in Boston since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals where the Sixers blew a 3-2 series lead and got destroyed 112-88 in the win-or-go-home contest this past May.
Can the 76ers fight off their Game 7 demons and pull off the upset or will the Celtics continue their early season run of being undefeated (8-0) at home?
Here's my betting breakdown on the spread, total and moneyline for this must-watch matchup on Friday night.
Sixers vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -7.5, Sixers +7.5 (Odds via FanDuel)
While the Celtics might have the better record, it's actually the 76ers who are better against the spread (ATS). Through the first month of the season, Philly is 12-6 ATS (fifth best in the NBA), while Boston ranks middle of the pack at 8-8-2 ATS through 18 games.
However, while the Celtics are just 2-6-2 ATS on the road, they're much better on their home court where they've covered in six of eight contests at TD Garden.
Meanwhile, the Sixers have been solid on the road (5-3 ATS) but have failed to cover in three of their past five games with two of those coming away from the Wells Fargo Center.
The line could shift massively depending on injuries for both teams. Sixers' center and reigning MVP Joel Embiid is questionable after he was a late scratch with an illness on Wednesday night. Two key starters are dealing with their own respective injuries in Celtics' Jrue Holiday (ankle) and Kristaps Porzingis (calf) as they're both questionable for Friday evening.
This is a tough call given a great matchup between two of the best teams in the East but I'd take the points and bet the Sixers to cover the +7.5 spread.
Prediction: Sixers +7.5
Sixers vs. Celtics total: Over/Under 224.5 points (Odds via FanDuel)
These are two of the best offenses in the entire NBA as they each rank in the top-10 in points per game.
The 76ers have scored at least 119 points in seven of their past 10 games and are averaging 120.2 PPG this season (4th best in NBA).
On the other side, the Celtics have scored 113 or more points in all eight home games while having one of the top defensive units in the entire league.
The first meeting between these two rivals was a lower scoring affair that ended 109-106 while the last matchup was slightly more of an offensive affair that had 224 combined points.
In the seven-game playoff series in May, the total went over this number just twice as there were two Celtics blowout victories in Boston in Games 2 and 7.
This most certainly could hit the under with two of the better defenses in the NBA but I have a feeling we will see a shootout in Beantown on Friday night.
Prediction: Over 224.5 points (-110)
Sixers vs. Celtics moneyline: Celtics -330, Sixers +265 (Odds via FanDuel)
While Porzingis is listed as questionable, he's unlikely to suit up as head coach Joe Mazzulla said he would be re-evaluated in "a week or so," after straining his calf last Friday against the Magic.
The Celtics have already proven they can win without one of their leading scorers as they've beaten both the Hawks and Bulls since the injury to Porzingis. They were also without Porzingis when they beat Philly a little over two weeks ago.
This will be the game to watch Friday night with two heavyweights contenders going at it.
I think this is a close, back-and-forth contest but ultimately the Celtics continue their hot streak at home and winning in what should be the game to watch in the Association tonight.
Prediction: Celtics 117, Sixers 112
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics odds, picks, predictions
