Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 01/12/2023, 06:14  by Joseph King | Modified on 01/12/2023 at 07:00 in NBA Predictions

An Eastern Conference clash between the first-place Boston Celtics and the fourth-place Philadelphia 76ers tips off on Friday at the TD Garden. Boston has looked like the cream of the crop this season and their 14-4 record is the best in the NBA. They're coming off back-to-back wins following a 124-97 blowout victory over the Bulls on Tuesday. Along with Denver, Boston is the only other team that has yet to lose on their home court. The Celtics are a perfect 8-0 at the Garden and are posting an absurd +19.0 average scoring margin at home, which is nearly six points higher than the second-highest in the NBA. Boston shot the lights out in their most recent appearance, finishing 52% from the field and 42% from three. They’re a high-volume three-point shooting team and get up the most shots from downtown in the entire NBA with an average of 43.3 per game.

Philadelphia are having an impressive season as well. The Sixers are second in adjusted net rating and have a strong case that they are the second-best team in the NBA at the moment. Philly is 12-6 on the year which places them fourth in the East and two games behind their opponents today. The visitors have been able to consistently win games despite having the sixth-toughest strength of schedule. They didn’t get off to the best start on this current three-game road trip as they lost 124-114 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Important to note is that reigning MVP Joel Embiid didn’t take part in the recent defeat as he sat out with an illness. With some time to recover, Embiid should be back for this one although he is still listed as questionable on the injury report.