It will be a battle between Atlantic Division opponents when the Philadelphia 76ers (24-14) welcome the Boston Celtics (25-10) to the Wells Fargo Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 9, 2020, and will air on TNT.
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers ATS Prediction
In the Celtics’ last contest, they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, 129-114, and failed to cover as 9-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (243) finished well over the O/U total of 223. San Antonio’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Boston. The Spurs had a rate of 20.5 (below their season average of 21.3), while the Celtics posted a mark of 16.3 (below their season average of 24.3). Gordon Hayward led Boston in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The 76ers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last matchup, 120-113, but failed to cover as 8-point favorites. The game’s combined points (233) finished well over the O/U total of 210.5. Philadelphia’s 9.3 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Oklahoma City, who had a mark of 10.5. The 76ers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.0. With 17 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, Ben Simmons had a solid performance for Philadelphia.
The 76ers have emerged victorious in both contests against the Celtics this year, including a six-point victory in their last matchup. Philadelphia covered as a 1-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 224 points, which was 11.5 points above the projected point total of 212.5 points. The 76ers knocked down 19 of their 23 free throws (82.6 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 19.6). Joel Embiid recorded a double-double with 38 points and 13 rebounds.
Boston holds records of 25-10 straight up (SU) and 20-13-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Celtics’ 34 games that accepted bets, 20 have finished under the projected point total.
Philadelphia has a respectable 24-14 SU record, but they are just 17-18-3 ATS. Of the 76ers’ 38 games, 20 have finished over the projected point total.
The offense of Philadelphia (16th in the league with an offensive efficiency of 108.1) will square off against the stingy defense of Boston (fourth in the league with a defensive efficiency of 103.2). The Celtics should have the edge on that end of the court.
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers Free Pick
NBA Pick: ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Boston is 11-6-1 ATS on the road with 11 unders and 7 overs.
At home, Philadelphia is 9-8-2 ATS with 10 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
Boston is 9-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Philadelphia is 10-1.
When reaching 100 points, the 76ers are 21-7 and the Celtics are 24-5.
Philadelphia ranks second in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while Boston ranks 22nd (5.5).
The 76ers rank first in three pointers allowed per game (27.6) while the Celtics rank 17th (33.9).
Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (26.7) while Boston ranks 19th (23.1).
The Celtics rank fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the 76ers rank 14th (17.0).
Philadelphia ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (11.4) while Boston ranks 12th (13.0).
The Celtics average 15.1 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The 76ers rank 17th in fast break points allowed per game (13.2).
Boston ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Philadelphia ranks 12th (7.4).
The Celtics rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while the 76ers rank 12th (47.3).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (40.7) while Boston ranks ninth (44.3).
In its last five games, Boston is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 6.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 107.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.2 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
