Can Philly take revenge for the last Playoffs?

Boston vs Philadelphia means Celtics vs 76ers. Even though the Imps are seen as slight favourites due to the home advantage at the TD Garden, the similar season histories and balanced statistics argue for an extremely close duel.

Plagued by constant injuries, it has not been the easiest season for either team. Nevertheless, both are still within reach of the playoffs. Given the quality in the squad, a season without finals would be catastrophic.

In the Atlantic Division’s internal duel, both teams enter the game with eleven wins and ten losses. The winner will sit in second place behind the Brooklyn Nets. In view of the close standings in the Eastern Conference, a defeat would weigh heavily.

Boston Celtics – Statistics & current form

After two straight losses, the Celtics got back on the winning track with a 109-97 win over the Toronto Raptors in Canada. With this, the even win/loss record has now been turned into a positive again.

Fewer scoring, but finally assists

Lately, a discussion started by the point guards about the Boston Celtics and especially the two superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown not playing enough assists. The former now gave an answer against the Raptors. With 10 assists (an average of 3.7 per game) in the game, the forward was largely responsible for the victory. However, his scoring suffered as a result. The 23-year-old scored only eight points.

With 21 points, point guard Marcus Smart was the top scorer of the game and underlined his good form. Among other things, he hit four three-pointers. The best player was probably centre Al Horford, who added eleven rebounds to his 17 points.

Dennis Schröder was absent with an ankle problem. The player from Braunschweig is still questionable for the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Should he still have to miss the game, Jaylen Brown would move to the guard position. In addition, there is a question mark over the use of Robert Williams due to illness.

Offensive weaker than defensive

Due to fluctuating performances by superstars or injury concerns to key players, the Celtics have yet to get going this season. Schröder and Co. have only won three in a row once so far. Boston is only 19th in the league in terms of offensive balance.

Coach Ime Udoka’s men have a much easier time defending their own basket. They allow about 105 points per game and thus rank 10th. In the last two games of the season, they held their opponents to less than 100 points. In the game Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, we are rather looking at the odds of a low-scoring game.

Nevertheless, there has been a slight improvement in performance recently. After all, four of the six games were won. Now, however, the Celtics have to face Philly and Utah. These could be two groundbreaking games. With the odds generally close, the predictions for Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers are slightly in favour of the hosts.

Predicted Boston Celtics line-up:
Smart, Brown, Tatum, Williams, Al Horford

Philadelphia 76ers – Statistics & current form

Recently, the Philadelphia 76ers were able to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time after turbulent weeks and months. Superstar Joel Embiid celebrated his comeback after a nine-game absence due to a Corona illness. Even though it was not enough for a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cameroonian played big with 42 points and 14 rebounds.

In addition, Tobias Harris returned to the 76ers squad after a two-game break. With 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists, the forward did not have his best day.

The 76ers then won again against the Wagner brothers and the Orlando Magic. The 76ers’ best scorer was Seth Curry with 24 points. Even though the game was ultimately won by only five points, the Magic were nothing more than a set-up opponent. Philadelphia finished each quarter with a lead.

Good offense, weak defense

What has been the 76ers’ strength in recent seasons currently appears to be more of a weakness. With nearly 110 points allowed by opponents on average per game, the Sixers rank a weak 23rd in the league. Especially without their defensive anchor Joel Embiid they had a hard time. The 27-year-old is considered one of the best ring protectors in the league.

Philly, on the other hand, has played much better under the opponent’s basket so far. Coach Doc Rivers’ men are averaging 111 points per game. That currently puts them in a strong fifth place overall.

 No Embiid, no party

In the nine games in which all-star Embiid was absent, the Sixers suffered some setbacks. Only two wins and seven losses were recorded without the centre on the floor. The 76ers were all the more pleased that the franchise figurehead has now overcome his illness.

Even though they lost a very close game against the Timberwolves after overtime, they were able to celebrate another victory against the Orlando Magic. In Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, the predictions go in the direction of a close game. Neither team can be classified as a clear favourite in the East duel. In view of Embiid’s return, we even see the visitors with slight advantages.

Preliminary line-up of Philadelphia 76ers:
Maxey, Curry, Green, Harris, Embiid

Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers Head-to-head comparison / H2H record

Last year’s playoffs felt like hell for Philadelphia. They were eliminated 4-0 by the Boston Celtics. The public discussion about Ben Simmons, who repeatedly missed throws, really sparked. Now the 76ers want to take revenge. In general, the Celtics have a slight advantage – looking at their overall record. In 102 duels, the Imps won 62 times. Philly secured 40 victories.

Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers Tip

On the one hand, the Celtics have made a good impression on the defensive end of late, holding opponents under 100 points. In the East clash against Philadelphia, such a committed attitude and performance is expected again.

On the other hand, the 76ers are a team full of quality, high-value players. Even though the situation around Ben Simmons is still not resolved, they still have enough quality in their squad to beat any opponent. Especially with the return of their superstar Joel Embiid, Philly can be expected to do a lot again. The Cameroonian should be a boon, especially for the defence, which has been rather weak lately.

Even though the Boston Celtics clearly won the last playoffs against the 76ers with 4-0, we expect a close duel this time with chances on both sides. For us, a game with relatively few points seems the most promising. We are betting six units on a game with a total of under 211.5 points.