Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics, Prediction, & Pick
76ers vs. Celtics Odds
| 76ers Odds | +6.5 |
| Celtics Odds | -6.5 |
| Over/Under | 224.5 |
| Date | Fri, Dec. 1 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. |
| TV | ESPN |
On Friday night, NBA fans will be treated to an ESPN double-header, beginning with a matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET. Entering play, Boston is 14-4 and tied for the best record in the entire NBA. Philadelphia is 12-6, currently occupying the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Ahead of tip-off this evening, the Celtics are favored by 6.5 points on the spread. The total is set at over/under 224.5 points.
Below, we break down the matchup for both teams and offer a free pick for the betting community!
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Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid listed as QUESTIONABLE
As of this writing, Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for tonight’s action due to an illness. His inclusion on today’s injury report is particularly noteworthy considering the fact that he did not play in Philadelphia’s last game on Wednesday in New Orleans either.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid was not present at shootaround this morning. Typically, when a player does not partake in shootaround, they do not play later that evening.
If Embiid is unable to go, it would represent a tremendous loss for the 76ers. According to Cleaning the Glass, Philadelphia ranks in the 91st percentile in offensive efficiency and 57th percentile in defensive efficiency with Embiid on the floor this season, compared to the 83rd percentile in offensive efficiency and the 50th percentile in defensive efficiency with him off of the court.
Who will step up in place of Embiid?
Assuming Embiid is unable to play tonight, Tyrese Maxey is in line for the largest increase in usage of any player on the Philadelphia roster, according to RotoGrinders CourtIQ. Per 36 minutes of action this year with Embiid on the sidelines, Maxey is averaging 31.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Boston Celtics
Kristaps Porzingis ruled OUT
Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out for tonight’s matchup against the 76ers, marking the third consecutive contest that he will be in street clothes. In their last two games without Porzingis, the Celtics are 2-0 with both wins coming by double-digits – defeating the Hawks by 10 points last Sunday and the Bulls by 27 points on Tuesday.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Boston ranks in the 70th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 93rd percentile in defensive efficiency this season with Porzingis on the floor, compared to the 72nd percentile in offensive efficiency and the 84th percentile in defensive efficiency with him on the sidelines. It should be business as usual for the Celtics on Friday night.
Who will step up in place of Porzingis?
Derrick White (+3.5%) and Jayson Tatum (+3.1%) are the two players who receive the largest increase in usage this season when Porzingis is off of the floor. Per 36 minutes in these situations, White is averaging 20.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Tatum is averaging 29.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Prediction
76ers +4.5, First Half (-118), FanDuel
Philadelphia was defeated by double-digits against New Orleans without Joel Embiid on Wednesday, but this is still a capable team, even with Embiid not on the floor. The emergence of Tyrese Maxey as a bonafide star gives the 76ers a certified scoring presence in any matchup, and he has ample support in small sample sizes around him with Tobias Harris and a collection of veterans that understand the game at a high level.
Boston has been, unquestionably, the NBA’s best team so far to begin the new season. That being said, they are coming off of a high-intensity win over the Bulls on Tuesday. If Embiid does not play tonight, this could turn into an emotional trap spot for the Celtics in the first half. It would not be surprising to see Jayson Tatum and company get off to a slow start in this game, before turning on the jets in the second half.