The Philadelphia 76ers (31-18) visit Boston to play the Celtics (32-15) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Free Prediction
In the 76ers’ last outing, they were 6-point favorites and were defeated by the Atlanta Hawks, 127-117. The combined points for the game (244) were well over the projected point total of 228. Atlanta’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Philadelphia. The Hawks had a rate of 22.7 (above their season average of 21.3), while the 76ers posted a mark of 17.4 (below their season average of 23.3). Ben Simmons was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The Celtics defeated the Golden State Warriors in their last outing, 119-104, covering as 13.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (223) finished just under the projected point total of 224.5. Boston’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Celtics had 14 offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Warriors had three and 30, respectively. Gordon Hayward was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field.
The 76ers have emerged victorious in all three games against the Celtics this year, including an 11-point victory in their last matchup. Philadelphia covered as a 1-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 207 points, which was 12 points below the projected point total of 219 points. The 76ers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.2 vs. 18.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.136 vs. 0.091). Josh Richardson was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points.
Philadelphia is 31-18 straight up (SU), but they have a hard time covering the spread (22-24-3 against the spread (ATS)). Games including the 76ers have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (49.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 32-15 SU and 28-18-1 ATS. Of the Celtics’ 47 games, 26 have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Simmons (23 points,8.6 rebounds,8.2 assists,2.8 steals) has been stellar for the 76ers while Hayward (20 points,7.6 rebounds,3.4 assists) has contributed greatly to the Celtics.
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between two of the NBA’s top defenses. Boston currently ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (104.1) and Philadelphia is third (103.7).
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Pick
NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Philadelphia is 9-15-1 ATS on the road with 12 overs, 12 unders and 1 push.
Boston is 14-10 ATS at home with 12 overs, 11 unders and 1 push.
Each team is strong when holding the opposition to under 100 points, as Philadelphia is 14-1 and Boston is 11-2.
The 76ers are 27-8 when they score above 100 points, while the Celtics are 31-9.
Philadelphia ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while Boston ranks 20th (5.4).
The 76ers rank first in three pointers allowed per game (28.4) while the Celtics rank 15th (33.7).
Boston ranks 12th in second chance points per game (13.2) while Philadelphia ranks 25th (12.0).
The Celtics rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while the 76ers rank 16th (16.8).
Boston puts up 15.2 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Philadelphia ranks 17th in fast break points allowed per game (13.3).
The Celtics rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (43.0) while the 76ers rank 11th (46.9).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while Boston ranks ninth (44.0).
The Celtics rank fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the 76ers rank 11th (7.3).
Philadelphia ranks third in assists allowed per game (22.1) while Boston ranks sixth (23.1).
Over its last five outings, Philadelphia is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Boston is 4-1 ATS with 5 unders over its last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 112.8 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 104.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
