On Thursday evening, the Sixers play host to the Boston Celtics. The Sixers enter play a disappointing 24-14, which is good for fifth place in a crowded middle of the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are 2.5 games ahead of the Sixers at 25-10, which is the third-best record in the conference. It’s a tale of two teams as the Celtics are a respectable 7-3 in their last ten games, while Philly’s just 4-6 over that same stretch, including a woeful 1-4 in their last five.

The teams last squared off on December 12, a 115-109 Sixers victory in which Joel Embiid went off for 38 points while Al Horford sat out for load management. The biggest storyline entering tonight’s game is that Embiid is out, while Horford will play his former team for the first time since leaving Boston for Philadelphia this offseason.

With that, let’s get into our Sixers-Celtics betting preview.

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Sixers vs. Celtics Odds

Here’s the line for the Sixers and Celtics at DraftKings Sportsbook PA:

  • Spread: Sixers -2, Celtics +2
  • Moneyline: Sixers -127, Celtics +108
  • Total: 215.5

 

Bets We Like With a Sixers Win

FiveThirtyEight gives the Sixers a 66% chance of winning with a -4 point line. The Sixers have also won their past 22 home games against opponents on the second leg of a back-to-back. While the Celtics are a somewhat impressive 11-7 on the road, the Sixers a staggering 17-2 at home.

Sixers Win and Over the Total Points (+245, DraftKings)

Despite Joel Embiid being out of the lineup -which means Philly’s #1 option is out- the Sixers should still be able to post a respectable point total. Embiid’s absence is even bigger for the Celtics, who will undoubtedly attack the rim without the massive center down low. The last six games at Wells Fargo Center have seen the total points go over. If you believe the Sixers will win, take the boost in odds on this game parlay.

You can get this one at DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking here.

Sixers, Trail Blazers, Rockets All to Win (+425, FOX Bet)

On the surface, these three-win bets can be tricky to get behind, especially since they typically include an underdog. Interestingly enough, all three are favored to win. The Trail Blazers are a 1.5 point road favorite taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Houston Rockets are a 3.5 point road favorite against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In contrast to where Draftkings Sportsbook has the Sixers game, FOX Bet lists the Sixers as just a 1.5 point home favorite. Even so, if you’re a believer in these three teams to win, it’s a solid odds boost.

New users at FOX Bet can get a $20 free bet with no deposit and a $100 deposit match when they sign up here.

 

Bets We Like With a Celtics Win

Celtics Win and Over the Total Points (+300, DraftKings)

As mentioned above, Embiid’s absence should have Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown licking their chops. Al Horford is a solid inside presence, but he’s nowhere near the impact defender Embiid is. Gordon Hayward could also find plenty of success on the Sixers’ home court, and has done so in recent years, scoring 20+ points in five of his last six games at Wells Fargo Center. If you think the Boston wings will feast, take the Celtics and the over at +300.

You can get this one at DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking here.

 

Bets We Like Independent of Outcome

Freeze Out: Any Celtics player to miss 2 consecutive FTs in 2nd Half (in one trip) (+250, FOX Bet)

The Wendy’s Frosty Freeze Out has become something of a Philly pop culture legend. Ever since Isaiah Thomas went into the Wells Fargo Center stands to confront a fan, people haven’t stopped talking about how the poor guy just wanted a frosty. It’s a fun promo that FOX Bet is running and throwing a few dollars down isn’t a bad idea.

New users at FOX Bet can get a $20 free bet with no deposit and a $100 deposit match when they sign up here.

3 & D: Matisse Thybulle 2+ Steals and 2+ 3-Point Field Goals (+250, FOX Bet)

While Joel Embiid is out for this one, rookie standout Matisse Thybulle is set to rejoin the lineup. Prior to getting injured in December, Thybulle was averaging 1.6 3PM and 1.5 SPG respectively in December. On the distance shooting side, he hit 2+ threes in 4-of-6 games to start the month and went 2-4 from downtown in his final game, a 125-108 win over the Washington Wizards. Thybulle had at least one swipe in 9-of-11 geames in December and had 2+ steals in five of those nine efforts.

New users at FOX Bet can get a $20 free bet with no deposit and a $100 deposit match when they sign up here.

Sixers vs. Celtics Prediction

Pick: It’s the Al Horford revenge game. Sixers win a close one and over the total points.