76ers vs Celtics Prediction, Odds & Picks | NBA on ESPN (Dec. 1): Will Boston Remain Undefeated at Home?

The Boston Celtics have been red-hot at TD Garden this season, opening the 2023-24 NBA season with a perfect 8-0 home record. But can the Celtics achieve their ninth straight home win when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Dec. 1?

Our rivalry with the Sixers goes wayyy back. pic.twitter.com/RY0ahpDCz5

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 1, 2023

The 76ers opened up their three-game road trip on the wrong foot, falling 124-114 to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The Celtics, meanwhile, have their sights set on a third consecutive win after Jaylen Brown’s game-high 30 points led them to a 124-97 victory against the Chicago Bulls earlier this week.

Bovada’s NBA futures odds highlight just how good these teams are. The Celtics are currently the +375 favorites to win the 2023-24 NBA Finals while the 76ers sit at a respectable +1200 (5th-best).

And, of course, this potential Eastern Conference Finals preview is ripe with betting opportunities. Fortunately, I’m here to help with my 76ers vs Celtics prediction and favorite bets for tonight’s clash.

76ers vs Celtics on NBA ESPN Tonight (Dec. 1)

76ers vs Celtics Matchup Information

• Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers (12-6, 5-3 Away) vs. Boston Celtics (14-4, 8-0 Home)
• Venue & Location: TD Garden (Boston, MA)
• Date: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• 76ers vs. Celtics TV Channel Info: ESPN

76ers vs Celtics Odds & Spread

NBA game odds courtesy of Bovada as of Friday, Dec. 1 at 9:42 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

76ers vs Celtics Spread

• Philadelphia 76ers +6 (-110)
• Boston Celtics -6 (-110)

76ers vs Celtics Over/Under

• Over 224.5 Points (-115)
• Under 224.5 Points (-105)

76ers vs Celtics Moneyline

• Philadelphia 76ers (+190)
• Boston Celtics (-230)

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2023-24 NBA Futures Betting Articles

• 2024 NBA Championship Winner Odds, Favorites, and Predictions
• 2023/24 NBA Awards, Predictions & Best Bets
• NBA Scoring Leader Odds
• 2023 NBA Eastern Conference Divisional Preview, Predictions, & Best Bets
• 2023 NBA Western Conference Divisional Preview, Predictions, & Best Bets

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76ers vs Celtics Betting Trends

• Philadelphia is 5-2 straight up in its last seven road games.
• Boston is 13-5 straight up in its last 18 home games vs. Philadelphia.
• Philadelphia is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games vs. Boston.
• Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last five games played on Friday.
• The total has hit the Over in eight of Philadelphia’s last 10 games.
• The total has hit the Under in nine of Boston’s last 12 games.

76ers vs Celtics Prediction & Pick (Dec. 1)

Even though it’s only the first day of December, the 76ers and Celtics have already squared off twice this season. Philadelphia was the home team in both encounters, picking up a 106-13 victory on Nov. 8 before Boston got revenge one week later in the form of a 117-107 win.

As mentioned before, the Celtics have the home-court advantage this time round. Not only are they perfect at TD Garden thus far, but they also lead the NBA in the following home statistics:

• Offensive efficiency (1.223)
• Average scoring margin (plus-19.0)
• Threes made per game (17.5)
• Defensive rebounds per game (38.8)

Additionally, six of the Celtics’ eight home wins came by double-digit margins.

Surprisingly, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been Boston’s best players at home, averaging 24.9 and 26.9 points, respectively. Jrue Holiday has also proven to be comfortable in Beantown, averaging 12.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.6 steals in seven home games.

The 76ers, on the other hand, have played to mixed results on the road. While a 5-3 SU record on the road (5-3 ATS) isn’t the worst, they have lost two of their last three road games, only shooting 32.7% from three-point range with a minus-6.3 average scoring margin during that span.

Philadelphia’s injury situation could make winning tonight difficult. Kelly Oubre Jr. (ribs) and Danuel House Jr. (quad) have already been ruled out. Jaden Springer (illness) and Nicolas Batum (finger) aren’t 100% but are probable to play.

However, the biggest name on the 76ers’ injury report, though, is Joel Embiid. The 29-year-old center — who leads the NBA with 32.0 PPG — is questionable due to illness. It’s worth noting that Philadelphia is 0-2 SU in the two games that Embiid has already missed this season.

Joel Embiid (illness) listed questionable for Friday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) November 30, 2023

Considering how the Celtics will only be without Kristaps Porzingis (calf), I feel good about Boston’s chances of prevailing. The C’s just defeated the 76ers by 10 points on the road two weeks ago and now that they’ll have the home crowd on their side, I just don’t have a ton of faith in the visitors pulling off the upset.

I’m also feeling good about the Celtics covering the 6-point spread. After all, they have four wins in their last six home games against the Sixers, picking up each of those victories by seven or more points. Given Philly’s injuries (especially if Embiid can’t suit up), I won’t be surprised if Boston wins by a few possessions.

76ers vs Celtics Prediction: BOS wins

Best 76ers vs Celtics Bet: BOS -6 (-110 on Bovada)

76ers vs Celtics Best Player Prop

Even though he’s having a down year, I like Al Horford to score 10-plus points as my favorite 76ers vs Celtics prop bet.

"Night in and night out, he does things that we can't say 'thank you' enough for.”

Al Horford's teammates praise the example he sets on a daily basis, especially after the game he had Sunday night.https://t.co/Jf4L0zTewZ

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 27, 2023

After a slow start to the season, Horford’s play has improved as of late. The veteran big man is averaging 9.4 points on .532/.441/1.000 splits in his last seven games, finishing with a double-digit total four times — including two occurrences in three home games.

With Porzingis sidelined, Horford has been thrust into the Celtics’ starting lineup, thus seeing more opportunities to score. It’s also encouraging to know that he dropped 14 points on 55.6% shooting in his last outing against the 76ers.

Judging by his play as of late, I’d be surprised if Horford doesn’t reach double-digit points again.

Best 76ers vs. Celtics Prop: Al Horford 10+ Points (-150 on Bovada)

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