The next few weeks will tell us whether the Philadelphia 76ers can still summon a play-in run to salvage something from this disastrous season, but a clash with the Boston Celtics tonight is a tough way to tip off this crucial stretch.
Boston has had the edge in recent meetings but both teams should be fresh after the All-Star break, and my Celtics vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks expect that to translate to a dialed-in offensive outing on Thursday, February 20.
Celtics vs 76ers prediction
My best bet
Over 223.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
By some miracle, the injury report is a light read tonight for this national TV showdown. That points to the Philadelphia 76ers having the rare treat of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George on the court together, while Jrue Holiday is on course to return for the Boston Celtics.
Though the Celtics would probably have preferred not to halt their momentum for the All-Star break, having won seven of their past eight contests, the week off should inject life into both these offenses — and I’m taking the Over here on a reasonable 223.5 line.
Four of the last five meetings between these teams have hit the Over, and Boston provides a nice floor for this pick with its league-leading barrage of 48.3 3-point attempts per game. The visitors rank sixth in the NBA in points per game, and they’ve scored at least 116 points in seven of their last 10 outings.
So it’s the Philadelphia side of the equation that brings more jeopardy. But, despite all the absences, the Over is 30-23-1 for the 76ers this season, and Embiid’s presence creates headaches for any defense.
If Philly can’t get up for this game, things are even worse than they appear from the outside. A play-in charge is still a very real possibility for Nick Nurse’s men, but they’ll need more from Paul George, in particular. While he’s averaging just 10.2 ppg so far in February, his finger issue should be less of a factor after a week of rest.
Boston left Wells Fargo Center with a 118-110 victory at the start of this month, and it would be no surprise to see a similar scoreline tonight.
Celtics vs 76ers same-game parlay
Over 223.5
Jayson Tatum Over 7.5 rebounds
Tyrese Maxey Over 25.5 points
Tatum continues to be a difference-maker on the glass for Boston, and he grabbed 14 boards in the Celtics’ win over the San Antonio Spurs last week. I like the Over on a 7.5 O/U line here, with Tatum averaging 8.7 rpg this season.
He finished with 15 rebounds in Boston’s Christmas Day clash with Philly, and there’s likely to be plenty of action in the paint again against this 76ers frontcourt.
I’m rounding out my SGP with the Over on the Maxey points prop. Not for the first time, he’s been the rare bright spot for Philadelphia this year, and he sits fourth in the league with 27.6 ppg.
Maxey has given the Celtics fits in their matchups this season, including a 34-point effort earlier this month and a 33-point outing in December. Remarkably, he’s gone past this 25.5 line in 18 of his last 19 games, and I see that hot streak spilling over into tonight’s clash.
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Celtics vs 76ers odds
Celtics vs 76ers live odds
Celtics vs 76ers opening odds
- Spread: Boston -7 | Philadelphia +7
- Moneyline: Boston -262 | Philadelphia +223
- Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Celtics vs 76ers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics have won six of their last eight matchups against the 76ers, and they’re 22-6 on the road this year.
- Philadelphia hasn’t covered the spread in any of its past six contests, and its home record sits at a miserable 10-17.
- Boston has delivered on the 1Q Over in 32 of its last 49 road games.
- While the Celtics have nailed the team total Under in 41 of their past 61 outings, it’s looking like Joe Mazzulla will have his first-choice starting five available here.
Celtics vs 76ers trend
The 76ers have cashed in the 4Q Over in 46 of their last 78 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. 76ers.
How to watch Celtics vs 76ers
| Location | Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Thursday, 2-20-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, truTV, Max |
Celtics vs 76ers latest injuries
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