The Philadelphia 76ers pay a visit to the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on Friday night. Here's our 76ers vs Celtics prediction.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have been in a bit of a rut as they've lost five of their last nine games and they will be hoping to bounce back after getting beaten by the Pelicans in a 124-114 road loss on Wednesday. Tyrese Maxey led the team with 33 points and six assists, De'Anthony Melton added 17 points with six assists while Tobias Harris chipped in with 12 points. As a team, the 76ers shot 51 percent from the field and 14 of 34 from the 3-point line, but with Joel Embiid sitting out with an illness, the 76ers struggled to keep up from the start and they were never in the contest after falling behind by 29 points in the third quarter.
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Boston Celtics
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been in red-hot form as they've won nine of their last 11 games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight win after routing the Bulls in a 124-97 win on Tuesday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, Jayson Tatum added 21 points with seven rebounds and four assists while Al Horford chipped in with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three blocks. As a team, the Celtics shot 52 percent from the field and a sizzling 21 of 49 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with their defense, holding the Bulls to just 20 points in the first quarter, before they exploded for 38 points in the second quarter to take a 19-point lead into halftime. The Celtics finished with 16 turnovers, but they dominated the boards by 52-37 and they outscored the Bulls at the 3-point line by 63-27.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Jayson Tatum ranks 4th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for points per game (27.7) this season.
- Jrue Holiday ranks 5th amongst qualified Guards for rebounds per game (7.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+9.6).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (71.8%).
- The 76ers rank 1st in the league for free throw percentage this season (85.6%).
- The 76ers rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (23.8).
76ers v Celtics Prediction
The 76ers could be shorthanded once again as Joel Embiid is still listed as questionable for this one, while the Celtics are still missing Kristaps Porzingis. The 76ers haven't been at their best lately and their confidence took a real gut shot after getting outplayed by the Pelicans on Wednesday despite a big game from Maxey who poured in 33 points. The Celtics have continued to run through teams and they looked dominant in their latest win and they will be well-rested as they haven't played since Tuesday. Give me the Celtics to get the win and cover at the reasonable line.