NBA Matchup: 76ers vs Celtics Preview and Predictions
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics will battle on Wednesday, February 8, in a game that impacts the Eastern Conference playoffs come season’s end.
When it comes to the Atlantic division, these teams are no strangers. They are rivals with no love lost.
With only three games separating these two clubs, matchups like this will come into play when it comes to postseason seeding.
Expect this game to pack a lot of punch, especially from the stars on either side.
Celtics vs. 76ers Preview
The Celtics currently have a 36-15 record but have lost three of their past four games. This is a team that has been battling injuries of late. Notably to both Marcus Smart and Robert Williams.
While Williams has been in and out of the lineup as he continues to be eased back into the rotation from an offseason knee surgery, Smart is dealing with a sprained right ankle and will remain sidelined for the unforeseeable future.
Meanwhile, at 32-17, the 76ers are three games behind the Celtics in both the Eastern Conference standings as well as the Atlantic Divison standings. They are a bit hotter than Boston, however. The 765ers have won seven of their past eight games, dropping their last game to the Magic following seven consecutive wins.
From an injury front, the 76ers are as healthy as can be at the top of their lineup after battling the injury bug all season long. Joel Embiid is dealing with a sore left foot but should be good to go against Boston, barring any setbacks.
Leading into next Wednesday’s 76ers vs. Celtics matchup, the 76ers have three matchups against the Magic, Spurs, and Knicks. They get Orlando at home, but their games against San Antonio and New York are both on the road before traveling to Boston to take on the Celtics.
You could make the case that the 76ers should be able to win all three of those games preceding the Celtics matchup or, at worst, entering the tilt 2-1 if they drop one to the Knicks.
For the Celtics, their three games ahead of their matchup against the 76ers are a bit more challenging. Boston will have games against the Nets and Suns, which are both on the road, before heading back home for a contest against the Pistons.
Since the Celtics have been losing of late, they could potentially drop two of those games. If the 76ers go 2-1 and the Celtics go 1-2, there could be one game separating Philadelphia and Boston when they play next Wednesday night.
In that scenario, the 76ers can close the gap with a win and end up tied neck and neck with the Celtics at the top of the Atlantic division. This upcoming 76ers vs. Celtics game could be a lot more meaningful than anyone initially expected due to Boston’s recent lull.
76ers vs. Celtics Odds
As long as neither team suffers any significant injury between now and next Wednesday night, look for the oddsmakers to set 76ers vs. Celtics odds fairly close. We could be looking at a game separated by three points.
The last time these two teams met, back in the season opener, the line closed with the 76ers getting three points, which makes sense. That last matchup was also played in Boston, which is why the Celtics were three-point betting favorites.
Boston ultimately won that matchup 126-117, covering the spread. The game also went Over its 216.5-point total.
Once sportsbooks drop the lines and odds for this upcoming 76ers vs. Celtics matchup, you can bet on it at all of the top Massachusetts sportsbooks, including BetMGM MA. You can , which is being offered to any new users to secure a generous welcome bonus. This Massachusetts betting promo consists of a first bet bonus worth up to $1,000 paid back in bet credits if your initial wager settles as a loss.
76ers vs. Celtics Predictions
When it comes to the 76ers vs. Celtics, Philadelphia is playing better basketball at the moment. Although injuries are making an impact on Boston’s recent struggles, the healthier team normally garners the edge, which is the case here.
Although the Celtics were three-point favorites at home in their October matchup against the 76ers, we could see a shift in the direction of the 76ers since they are the hotter team.
