Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Celtics are coming off of back-to-back losses as they continue to struggle without their star players.
• The Philadelphia 76ers return to action after a postponed game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• This matchup is between the first and second seeds in the Eastern Conference!

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Celtics vs 76ers Predictions and Picks

The Boston Celtics are undermanned while the Philadelphia 76ers are rounding back to form. At full health, this looks like a competitive matchup, but without Jayson Tatum, in the lineup, the Sixers look like they’ll dominate the Celtics – especially in the paint.

Picks:

Philadelphia 76ers to Win (-204)

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Head-to-Head: Celtics vs 76ers

Boston Need Effort on the Glass

If there was an area that the Boston Celtics could really improve on from their embarrassing loss to the New York Knicks, it would have to be their effort on the boards.

In their last two games, the Celtics gave up 25 offensive rebounds, despite competing in the rebounding battle overall. Tristan Thompson and Daniel Theis are doing their jobs, but the lack of effort from Boston’s wing players is disappointing.

The Sixers thrive on their strength in the paint. With size and aggression at every position, backcourt players like Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown must support their big men in the battle against the Sixers bigs.

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Philly Must Take Care of the Ball

The Sixers are finally nearing full health, as they take on their biggest rival in the Eastern Conference. Coming off of a loss and a postponed game, the Sixers must ensure that their issues don’t carry over into this crucial matchup.

The Sixers went down big to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game, mounting a comeback only to fall short in the end. Their biggest issue in that matchup was Philly’s inability to take care of the ball. The Sixers turned the ball over 22 times in their last game, with Simmons, Harris, and Milton accounting for 17 of those turnovers.

The Celtics play a gritty, switch-heavy defensive game plan. In order for the Sixers to take this match, they need to be efficient with the ball.

Celtics Key Player: (G) Kemba Walker

Quick, crafty, clever Kemba! ✨?@KembaWalker x #BESTofNBARestart pic.twitter.com/NEkQQzrruI

— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2020

It was good news for the Boston Celtics when they were told that All-Star point guard Kemba Walker would be returning to the lineup against the Knicks. With their shortened roster due to COVID, Boston welcomed Walker back into the fold.

Walker played sparingly in his return, as he took a hit to the ribs that kept him out for the remainder of the game. On the bright side, he seemed to be back in form. Walker looked quick and decisive, despite his poor accuracy from the field.

He won’t have much time to acclimate against the Sixers, as they’ll be attacking him relentlessly on the defensive end. Walker must find his shooting range if he hopes to give the Celtics a chance in this matchup.

Sixers Key Player: (C) Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid is a 7-foot-2 All-Defensive Team center who can do this pic.twitter.com/pwnANXUyNA

— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) January 13, 2021

The Sixers were missing Joel Embiid in their last two matches, but head coach Doc Rivers made a statement that suggested the Cameroonian would be available for their match against the Celtics.

Embiid seems to be back in top form this season, averaging 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game on over 50% shooting from the field. Embiid’s newly shaped roster complements his game better than ever.

If there’s one place where the Sixers really shine, it is actually when Embiid is more conservative in his approach. By letting the game come to him and not forcing plays, the Sixers are 7-0 when Embiid’s usage rate is below 30%. Ensuring the entire Sixers team is producing, opens up opportunities for Embiid to flourish.