The Celtics vs 76ers tip off the 77th NBA season on Tuesday night. At 7:30 p.m. ET on October 18, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics will welcome Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening game of the NBA’s 1230 series at TD Garden. Both squads won 51 games in the previous season, with Boston advancing all the way to the NBA Finals in 2022. Both Danilo Gallinari and Robert Williams III (both knee injuries) will sit out the season-opening for the Celtics.
How to watch Celtics vs 76ers?
- Date: 18th October 2022
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
- Venue: TD Garden in Boston
Live Broadcast: NBA TV (Try it for free)
Read:
There are several reasons why the 76ers can cover the spread.
Philadelphia just had a season in which they went 51 wins strong and received above-average ratings in both the offensive and defensive categories. Adding PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, and Danuel House bolstered the Sixers’ defensive potential, and Philadelphia ranked in the top eight of the NBA in both blocks (5.3 per game) and assists allowed (23.7 per game) in 2017–18. The 76ers, led by Embiid’s actual superstar status, also ranked in the top 10 in steals per game (7.7) and 3-point defence (34.6%). In his rookie NBA season, Embiid averaged 30.6% of his team’s points and was the league’s second-leading scorer.
The 76ers put pressure on their opponents by creating free throw opportunities, and James Harden and Tyrese Maxey make a dynamic duo on the perimeter. Last season, the 76ers ranked in the top seven in the NBA in turnover avoidance (12.5 per game) and 3-point accuracy (36.4%), while they ranked in the top three in free throw attempts (23.8 per game) and free throw accuracy (82.1%).
As to why the Celtics can beat the spread
During the second part of the 2021-22 NBA season, Boston was the strongest team in the league. They finished the regular season strong and advanced to the NBA Finals. The Celtics have strengthened their roster throughout the offseason by adding Malcolm Brogdon, and Boston will be bringing back the majority of their All-Star team. The Celtics’ defence, led by reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, is a critical reason Boston has been so successful.
Last year, the Boston Celtics’ defence was the best in the NBA. Over the course of 82 games, the Celtics allowed only 1.06 points per possession and led the league in field goal percentage allowed (43.4%), three-point percentage allowed (33.9%), and two-point permitted percentage (49.7%). Boston could benefit from a Philadelphia offence that ranked last in the NBA in offensive rebound rate (at 24.6%) in 2021-22, and the Celtics are good defensively all around, leaving few openings for opponents to exploit.
If you were the Boston Celtics, who would you put in the starting lineup on opening night against the Philadelphia 76ers?
Derrick White, a reserve guard for the Boston Celtics, started all four preseason games and performed admirably in those contests, displaying his skills as a 3-point shooter, switchable defender, ball handler, and screener alongside stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Despite the team’s preseason success, interim head coach Joe Mazzulla has not yet settled on a starting lineup for Tuesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning liked the look White presented and argued for the Celtics to keep doing what they’ve been doing, whether to keep the Sixers coaching staff guessing just two days before the game or to indicate probable matchup-based looks for Boston.
Celtics vs 76ers Odds & Picks
The current 76ers vs. Celtics odds have Boston as a 2.5-point home favourite with a total of 214.5 points as the over/under. The NBA picks and betting recommendations should be reviewed before placing any wagers on the Celtics vs. 76ers game.
For the game between the Celtics and the 76ers, the spread is Celtics -2.5.
Over/under for Celtics vs. 76ers: 214.5
On the money line, the Celtics are -145 against the 76ers’ +122.
Philadelphia’s 76ers went 23-23-1 ATS on the road in 2021-22.
Boston: The Celtics went 23-28-2 ATS in home games during the 2021-22 season.
Celtics vs 76ers Prediction
We predict that the 2022-23 Philadelphia 76ers will be the top Eastern Conference club. We know it’s a big statement to make, but we’re confident the Sixers will win the season opener on Tuesday. We have no doubt that they will prevail over the Celtics. Bet on Philadelphia to win and cover the spread of three points if you don’t share our excitement.
Take the Philadelphia 76ers to win it all.
