Celtics vs. 76ers Prediction
One of the Eastern Conference’s best rivalries will have a new chapter tonight when the Philadelphia 76ers host the Boston Celtics. Can Philadelphia protect its home court on the second leg of a back-to-back situation?
Game Snapshot
567 Boston Celtics at 568 Philadelphia 76ers
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Wells Fargo Center at 7:10PM ET
TV: ESPN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NBA Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the 76ers are a 2.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 226 points. As of Wednesday morning, 55 percent of public bets are coming in on host Philadelphia. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Celtics fall to Nuggets
Boston lost 114-105 at home Monday night against Denver to drop to 43-28 overall and 26-11 at home. The Celtics were outscored 34-25 in the fourth quarter of the defeat. Boston shot 39-of-93 from the floor, 12-of-39 from 3-point range plus 15-of-19 at the free throw line. Kyrie Irving paced the Celtics with 30 points on 10-of-23 from 3-point range including 2-of-8 from 3-point range plus 8-of-8 at the free throw line. He also notched five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Al Horford tallied 20 points, six boards and six assists. Marcus Morris had 13 points and five caroms. Marcus Smart added 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Sixers win fifth straight
Philadelphia earned a 118-114 victory Tuesday night at Charlotte despite the absence of star center Joel Embiid. The 76ers (46-25, 18-16 on road) outscored the Hornets 33-25 in the second half to secure the win. Philadelphia shot 43-of-86 from the floor, 11-of-32 from 3-point range plus 21-of-28 at the charity stripe. Ben Simmons paced the Sixers with 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting plus 6-of-10 at the free throw line. He also registered eight rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots. J.J. Redick notched 27 points, 10 boards and eight assists. Jimmy Butler had 23 points, nine dimes, four rebounds and two steals. Tobias Harris added 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
NBA Betting Trends
Boston
The Celtics are 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 Wednesday games. Boston is 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall.
Philadelphia
The 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games versus the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on zero days of rest.
Prediction:
The Celtics have had the Sixers’ number a lot over the last couple seasons, but with Philly getting Embiid back tonight and starting to find its chemistry within its lineup I like the hosts even on the back-to-back. The one guy who will be rested is Embiid and he should be able to feast inside on the likes of Horford. Look for Philadelphia to rise to the occasion and make a statement against their biggest rivals.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA 76ERS -2.5