NBA Predictions: Will Celtics earn first win at 76ers? 10/20/17

Celtics vs. 76ers Pick

Are the Boston Celtics going to upset the host Philadelphia 76ers Friday night at 7PM EST?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the 76ers are listed as a 2-point favorite against the spread and the over-under is set at 217.

Boston is now 0-2 on the season after a 108-100 home loss to Milwaukee, while Philadelphia is 0-1 following a 120-115 loss at Washington. The Celtics won three of four meetings last season, but the 76ers covered the spread all four games. The total went over all four games.

In Boston's loss Wednesday night, Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 18 points. Kyrie Irving contributed 17 points, while Terry Rozier had 15 points with seven rebounds and six assists off the bench. The Celtics were outscored 32-20 in the fourth quarter of the defeat.

The 76ers received a 29-point effort from Robert Covington to go with seven rebounds. Joel Embiid had 18 points and 13 boards, while Ben Simmons accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds in his NBA debut. Philadelphia led by three at halftime, but was outscored 34-23 in the third quarter to lead to the loss.

Boston is 0-4 ATS in its last four meetings with Philadelphia.

Bet on Celtics vs. 76ers

Boston is reeling following the broken ankle suffered by prized free agent signing Gordon Hayward in his debut as a Celtic. But there is still plenty of talent on the roster including a bonafide star in point guard Kyrie Irving. Philadelphia is clearly much improved now that Ben Simmons is healthy and JJ Redick is around to provide veteran leadership, but the Celtics are still a more complete team at this juncture.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS +2