Boston Celtics (22-7) vs Philadelphia 76ers (10-17)
December 25, 2024 at 05:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -8.5 — Over/Under: 226.5
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have cooled off a bit recently as they’ve split their last six games overall and they will be eager to bounce back after coming up just short to the Magic in a 108-104 road defeat on Monday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 35 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White scored 17 points each while Jrue Holiday chipped in with 16 points, three steals, and two blocks. As a team, the Celtics shot 44 percent from the field and eight of 32 from the 3-point line as they played great defense early on to lead by 15 points in the first half, but they came out flat to start the second half and fell victim to a 60-35 run from the Magic to suffer just their third road defeat this season. The Celtics will play against the Pacers (twice), Raptors, and Timberwolves following this one.
Philadelphia 76ers
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have been in pretty good form as they’ve won seven of their last 10 games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after outlasting the Spurs in a 111-106 win on Monday. Tyrese Maxey led the team with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, Paul George added 19 points with nine rebounds and four assists while Guerschon Yabusele chipped in with 17 points on six of eight shooting off the bench. As a team, the 76ers shot 41 percent from the field and 16 of 44 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and scored just 19 points in the first quarter, but they slowly heated up and made their move with 36 points in the third quarter to build a 15-point lead which was just enough to hold off a late rally from the Spurs.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last 11 night games against 76ers teams that held a losing record.
- The 76ers have lost each of their last seven Wednesday games.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as favorites following a loss.
- The 76ers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five night games following a home win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Celtics’ last six games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the 76ers’ last four Christmas Day games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Kristaps Porzingis ranks 7th amongst qualified Centers for FT% (84.9%) this season.
Philadelphia 76ers Player Facts
- Kelly Oubre Jr. ranks 13th amongst qualified Guards for rebounds per game (5.7) this season.
- Paul George ranks 25th amongst qualified Forwards for three-pointers made Per Game (2.1) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (14.0).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (17.8).
- The 76ers rank 30th in the league for H2 points per game this season (52.0).
- The 76ers rank 30th in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (25.9%).
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Celtics could be shorthanded once again with Jayson Tatum still listed as day-to-day with an illness, while the 76ers could have Eric Gordon back in the lineup but they are still keeping an eye on Andre Drummond who is questionable for this one. The Celtics have been dealing with a bunch of injuries lately, but Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jayson Tatum are all expected to return to the lineup, so I will stick with the Celtics to get the win and cover at home.