Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Preview & Picks (10/31)

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Monday night basketball awaits! Get ready for the action with our expert's NBA prop bets for Monday, December 15.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics

NBA Cup group play begins tonight, featuring a marquee matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

These teams opened their seasons against each other, with Philadelphia edging out a 117-116 victory. Since then, the Sixers have remained unbeaten at 4-0. Boston, meanwhile, dropped its next two games before bouncing back with consecutive wins to move to 2-3 on the year.

Will the Celtics get their revenge, or does Philly hold the upper hand once again? Let’s break it down with my Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics preview and picks.

For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.

You can also browse our recommendations for the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics NBA Betting Insights

Get ready for Friday night hoops with our expert Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics preview and picks in this NBA Cup group play matchup.

Tyrese Maxey looks to lead his team to their fifth-straight victory this season.

76ers vs Celtics Preview 

Philly opened as roughly three-point favorites but haven’t drawn much betting support since. The consensus line now lists the Sixers as one-point underdogs. The total sits between 233 and 233.5, holding steady from its opening mark of 233.5.

On the injury front, the Celtics remain mostly healthy outside of Jayson Tatum, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury. The 76ers, meanwhile, are still without Paul George, Jared McCain (out since last season), and Dominick Barlow.

When these teams first met this season, Philadelphia was also missing George, but Barlow played 34 minutes and contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and five assists – his absence will certainly be felt.

That game also marked rookie VJ Edgecombe’s breakout, as he dropped 34 points—the most in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959. While it’s unlikely he replicates that type of performance, Edgecombe has been exceptional early on, averaging 40.3 minutes, 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists through his first four games.

Outside of his standout performance, Tyrese Maxey poured in 40 points, while Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each added 25.

Both teams shot over 45% from the field, but the Sixers were more efficient from deep, hitting 39% of their 3-pointers compared to the Celtics’ 25.6%. They each made 23 free-throw attempts and were nearly identical on the glass, so it’s no surprise that matchup was decided by just a single point. Boston led by as many as 13, while Philadelphia’s largest lead was 8.

Philadelphia vs Boston Picks

From a statistical standpoint, I can understand why bettors are backing the Celtics. Boston ranks 10th in offensive points per 100 possessions, while Philly sits 23rd in that category defensively.

On the flip side, the Sixers have been impressive offensively, ranking second in points per 100 possessions, but the Celtics counter that effectively, sitting seventh in defensive points per possession allowed.

Philly takes a majority of its shot attempts from deep (38.5%) and mid-range (31.6%), but Boston defends both areas exceptionally well – ranking fourth in opponent field goal percentage from three-point range (32.5%) and first from mid-range (32.3%).

When you factor in those statistical edges, the revenge angle, Philadelphia’s injuries, and the likelihood that Edgecombe doesn’t erupt for another huge performance, it makes sense to back the road team here – which is what I’ll be doing.

Best Bet: Boston Celtics ML (-110)

Here are some of my other Friday NBA bets that I discussed on the network today:

  • Utah Jazz +3.5 (-115) @ Phoenix Suns
  • Yves Missi Under 6.5 Rebounds (+105)
  • Josh Hart Under 7.5 Rebounds (-115)
  • Jordan Clarkson Under 9.5 Points (-128)
  • OG Anunoby Under 2.5 3pt FGM (-134)

NBA Record: 14-9 (+4.15 units)

Still Didn’t Get Your NBA Fix?

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