It will be a meeting between two exceptional defenses when the Boston Celtics (32-15) take on the Philadelphia 76ers (31-18) at TD Garden. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics ATS Odds
The Celtics hope to keep it rolling after covering the 13.5-point spread against the Golden State Warriors in their last outing, 119-104. The 76ers, on the other hand, were beat by the Atlanta Hawks, 127-117, and failed to cover as 6-point underdogs. The Boston game finished 1.5 points under the projected point total of 224.5, while the Philadelphia game finished 16 points over the projected point total of 228.
The Celtics, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.6, had an absurd mark of 34.1 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.563 (above their season average of 0.529). Philadelphia, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.5 vs. 13.4). Gordon Hayward had a good game for Boston, contributing 25 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Philadelphia was led by Ben Simmons, who contributed 31 points, six rebounds and five assists.
In their three contests this year, the 76ers have won all three. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 207 points, which was under the projected point total of 219. Philadelphia won 109-98, covering as a 1-point favorite. Philadelphia out-rebounded Boston. The 76ers had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. 8), defensive rebounds (35 vs. 30) and total rebounds (48 vs. 38). Josh Richardson scored a game-high 29 points.
Of the 76ers’ 49 games, 24 have finished over the projected point total. Philadelphia is 31-18 straight up (SU), but they are just 22-24-3 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Celtics’ 47 games, 26 have finished under the total. Further, Boston owns records of 32-15 SU and 28-18-1 ATS.
The 76ers’ Simmons has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 23 points,8.6 rebounds,8.2 assists,2.8 steals per game. Meanwhile, Hayward has averaged 20 points,7.6 rebounds,3.4 assists during that same time frame for the Celtics.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between a pair of the NBA’s best defenses. Boston currently ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (104.1) and Philadelphia is third (103.7).
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the 76ers rank 11th (7.3).
- Philadelphia ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while Boston ranks 20th (5.4).
- The Celtics rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while the 76ers rank 16th (16.8).
- Boston puts up 15.2 fast-break points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks 17th in fast-break points given up per game (13.3).
- Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while Boston ranks ninth (44.0).
- The 76ers rank first in three pointers allowed per game (28.4) while the Celtics rank 15th (33.7).
- The Celtics rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (43.0) while the 76ers rank 11th (46.9).
- Philadelphia ranks third in assists allowed per game (22.1) while Boston ranks sixth (23.1).
- Boston ranks 12th in second chance points per game (13.2) while Philadelphia ranks 25th (12.0).
- In games where they allow less than 100 points, Philadelphia is 14-1 and Boston is 11-2.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the 76ers are 27-8 and the Celtics are 31-9.
- Philadelphia is 9-15-1 ATS on the road, while Boston is 14-10 ATS at home.
- In 25 road games, the 76ers have 12 overs, 12 unders and 1 push.
- In 24 home games, the Celtics have 12 overs, 11 unders and 1 push.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the 76ers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Boston has 5 unders, while Philadelphia has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 6.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 110.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.0 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
