76ers vs Celtics 2019 NBA Week 8 Lines, Analysis & Prediction

Two of the top Eastern Conference championship hopefuls will go at it on Thursday night when Kemba Walker and the Boston Celtics host Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in an intriguing December matchup of longtime Atlantic Division rivals. With Boston looking to take care of business at home, let’s find out where the best NBA betting odds value lies in this matchup.

76ers vs Celtics 2019 NBA Week 8 Lines, Analysis & Prediction

Why Bet On Philadelphia?

The 76ers (11-12 ATS) might be road dogs in this matchup, but there are a number of god reasons to back Philly in this matchup. First, the Sixers rank a stellar third in points allowed at 103.5 per contest. Then, there’s the fact that Philadelphia has won three straight games including a hard-fought 97-92 win over Denver on Tuesday night.

Then, there’s the fact that the Sixers have three all-star caliber stars in Joel Embiid (22.0 ppg, 12.4 rpg), Ben Simmons (14.0 ppg, 8.4 apg, 7.0 rpg) and Tobias Harris (19.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and another wily veteran who is still close to that level in Al Horford (13.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg).

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Average Score For: 109.64
• Field Goals: 47.49%
• Three Points: 36.61%
• Free Throws: 74.47%
• Rebounds: 46.32

Defense:

• Average Score Against: 103.48
• Field Goals: 45.36%
• Three Points: 34.83%
• Free Throws: 73.20%
• Rebounds: 39.36

Why Bet On Boston?

The Celtics (14-7 ATS) are ranked fourth in points allowed (103.6 ppg) and the Celtics have the slightly better offense in this matchup. The C’s will also be highly motivated to get the win in this matchup after having their four-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday’s 122-117 loss at Indiana.

When it comes to roster talent, Boston also boasts a bunch of gifted players starting with all-star point guard Kemba walker (21.8 ppg, 5.5 apg), future superstar forward Jayson Tatum, (20.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg), swingman Jaylen Brown (19.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and veteran small forward Gordon Hayward (17.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg).

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Average Score For: 110.64
• Field Goals: 45.04%
• Three Points: 35.65%
• Free Throws: 79.92%
• Rebounds: 45.68

Defense:

• Average Score Against: 102.77
• Field Goals: 43.04%
• Three Points: 33.03%
• Free Throws: 72.82%
• Rebounds: 46.59

NBA Betting Trends for 76ers vs Celtics

• 76ers are 3-6 ATS in the last 9 games
• 76ers are 7-1 SU in the last 8 games
• The total went UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia’s last 11 games
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games
• Celtics are 4-1 SU in the last 5 games
• The total went UNDER in 9 of Boston’s last 13 games

76ers vs Celtics Expert Analysis and Prediction

Let me start by saying that Philly and Boston are extremely evenly matched on both sides of the ball. The Sixers rank third in defense and Boston fourth. The C’s rank 14th in scoring while Philly ranks 16th.

With that said, there’s one big reason why I like Boston to get it done in this matchup and it’s because Philadelphia has been awful on the road this season. The Sixers are an uninspiring 5-7 on the road with all seven of their losses this season taking place away from the City of Brotherly Love.

Boston is also a perfect 10-0 at home and and 4-0 ATS in their last four home games. The 76ers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings against Boston and a winless 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road dates against the C’s. Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker lead the way to victory in this one to snap a two-game losing streak against Philly.

Pick: Boston 116 Philadelphia 107