Expect a defensive struggle when the Philadelphia 76ers (18-7), 1.5-point underdogs, meet the Boston Celtics (17-6) at TD Garden. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 210 points and it will air on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 12, 2019.
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics Betting Odds
Although the Celtics were defeated by the Indiana Pacers in their last game, 122-117, they did cover as 13-point underdogs. The 76ers, meanwhile, defeated the Denver Nuggets, 97-92, resulting in a push. The Boston game went 23 points over the projected point total of 216, while the Philadelphia game finished 19.5 points under the projected point total of 208.5.
The 76ers held the Nuggets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.9 (below their season average of 23.4) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.483 vs. 0.476). Boston, on the other hand, held Indiana to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.2 (below their season average of 22.1). Boston’s Kemba Walker had a solid performance, contributing 44 points and seven assists. Joel Embiid, meanwhile was a key piece for Philadelphia with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
In their first matchup this year, Embiid led the 76ers to a 107-93 win. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Philadelphia covered as a 6-point favorite and the two teams combined for 200 points, which was well under the projected point total of 215. The 76ers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Celtics. Philadelphia had a rate of 27.9, while Boston posted a mark of 16.7.
Of the 76ers’ 25 games, 13 have finished under the total. Philadelphia heads into the contest with records of 18-7 straight up (SU) and 12-11-2 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Celtics’ 22 games that accepted bets, 14 have finished under the total. Additionally, Boston is 17-6 SU and 14-7-1 ATS.
It could be a tough game for Boston on the offensive glass. The Celtics rank 15th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.8 percent), while Philadelphia ranks first in defensive rebounding percentage (82.5 percent). Moreover, the 76ers rank 26th in turnover percentage (15.4 percent), while the Celtics rank fourth in opponents’ turnover percentage (15.3 percent).
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.0) while the 76ers rank ninth (45.9).
- Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (26.8) while Boston ranks 25th (35.0).
- The 76ers rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while the Celtics rank 21st (5.5).
- Philadelphia ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (10.6) while Boston ranks 19th (13.5).
- Boston ranks second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.3) while Philadelphia ranks 17th (17.5).
- The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (39.4) while the Celtics rank 21st (46.1).
- The 76ers rank third in assists per game (26.8) while the Celtics rank 19th (23.4).
- Philadelphia ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (12.0) while Boston ranks seventh (12.1).
- Boston ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.2) while Philadelphia ranks 20th (8.1).
- Boston is 6-1 when they allow less than 100 points, while Philadelphia is 10-0.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Celtics are 16-3 and the 76ers are 15-4.
- Philadelphia is 5-6-1 ATS on the road, while Boston is 7-3 ATS at home.
- Of the 76ers’ 12 road games, they have 6 overs, 5 unders and 1 push.
- In 10 home games, the Celtics have 6 unders and 4 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the 76ers are 3-1-1.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Philadelphia has 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 112.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 100.4 points per game (3.2 below their season average).
- The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 6.2 for the season.
