It will be a colossal battle on Wednesday, November 15, when the Boston Celtics face the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics vs. Sixers game could be a preview of two teams tipped to go deep in the NBA playoffs this season.
Both teams are lording it over the Eastern Conference standings. The Sixers are leading by only half a game ahead of the Celtics. However, this could change depending on the result of the in-season game between Philly and the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, November 14.
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Celtics vs. Sixers Odds
Despite the Sixers hardly getting much rest, Philly is picked as a 1.5-point spread favorite to prevail over the Boston Celtics per OddsSharks.com.
The Moneyline for this game is set at -127 for Boston and +108 for Philadelphia. It is expected to be a close game, and the Celtics are more than capable of covering the spread.
Celtics vs. Sixers Preview
In their first meeting this season, the Sixers won over the Celtics, 106-103. Leading the way for Philly was no other than reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who got help from teammates Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tobias Harris, SI.com reported.
Heading into their second match, the Sixers will be a man down with Oubre out with a broken rib. The 27-year-old was struck by a car last Saturday, November 11, in Philadelphia's Center City, NBA.com reported.
Unless he is cleared against the Celtics, the 76ers will miss Oubre and his 16.8-point contribution to the team so far this season.
For the Celtics, main stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need to do better compared to that last loss to Philly. Tatum did finish with a triple-double of 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists but may need to score more.
Conversely, Brown only had 11 points despite playing 36 minutes after a look at the stat sheet via ESPN.
Kristaps Porzingis stepped up for the Cs in that game with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and three assists. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White gave their share, but the bench support was glaringly absent.
Joe Mazulla will need all hands on deck and ready to play if they are to avenge their first meeting loss to the surging Sixers.
Celtics vs. Sixers pick
The Celtics can win, although playing at the Wells Fargo Center again may make it difficult. One thing going for them is that they are better rested than Philly heading into this big Eastern Conference clash.
Assuming that Mazulla has made the necessary adjustments and Brown rediscovers his form, Boston may pull out a win in what is expected to be a down-the-wire showdown.
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