Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers: Game 1 Betting Preview

Series Preview and Pregame Analysis: Celtics vs 76ers

The Celtics went into Atlanta and dominated the last few minutes of the tightly-contested Game 6. Boston was seemingly on the ropes, but the Celtics showed why they are the heavy championship favorites. They head into a series against the 76ers, a team they have dominated recently. Even Al Horford has been a 76er, and that did not change the rivalry that has been one-sided lately. Boston will host Philadelphia at TD Garden after preventing Atlanta from forcing a Game 7.

In Game 6, Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with help from the dominant starting lineup. However, it was Grant Williams who accompanied Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Marcus Smart to victory. Will Joe Mazzulla continue with that grouping against a 76ers team that lacks strong wings to disrupt Tatum and Brown? Doc Rivers may have some tricks up his sleeves, but it has been difficult for him to beat Boston since leaving Beantown. So, does Philadelphia have a chance against Boston?

All lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM

Betting Info for Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers

Moneyline:  Celtics (-275)

76ers (+225)

Spread: Celtics -7.5 (-105)

76ers +7.5 (-115)

Total: Over 215.5 (-110)

Under 215.5 (-110)

Picks and Predictions for the Celtics vs 76ers

Celtics -7.5 (-105)

The Celtics have showed they were better than the 76ers during the regular season, so will it translate to the 2023 NBA postseason? It has recently, as Boston has not lost to Philadelphia in the playoffs since 1982. The 76ers have won just one title since 1982 while the Celtics have three. However, they have only combined for just one championship since 1987.

The 2023 NBA championship is in reach for both squads after the Milwaukee Bucks were ousted. Both Boston and Philadelphia would have a homecourt advantage against any other remaining team in the NBA playoffs, and that provides a huge boost for both squads. Therefore, this series becomes even more vital. In this series, it is Boston with the homecourt advantage.

Although closeout games have been difficult for the Celtics at home, they do not have difficulty starting a series at home. Joel Embiid may go for 50, but it may be at the expense of the rest of the Philadelphia scorers. This will not be the Brooklyn Nets on either side of the court for the 76ers. Boston can dominate at times, and if the Celtics test the 76ers’ defense with anything like the end of the first round’s Game 6 in Atlanta, this should be a strong Game 1 for Boston.

Final Game Prediction, Celtics vs. 76ers

Celtics -7.5