On Thursday, 03/06, the Boston Celtics (43-18) will host the Philadelphia 76ers (21-40) in an Eastern Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Celtics have done a great job of steadily sealing the second spot, whereas the 76ers have dropped to the 12th place. in the East. Will the deflated 76ers be swept away in the Celtics wave, too, or will we see two second-string teams here? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Celtics: Back to their losing ways
The Boston Celtics will come into the game after playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on the previous night. Before that, they put together a terrific 7-point win against the Denver Nuggets as Jaylen Brown put up 22 points. This win helped them break a two-game skid, and the Celtics are 13-3 in their last 16 affairs (excluding the Portland game). They have continued to be the best long-range team in the league, converting 17.8 triples per game. Meanwhile, they have given up just 108.2 PPG(3rd), indicating their prowess on both ends. They are not as assertive as last season, but write off the defending champs at your own peril.
Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Derrick White | SG: Jaylen Brown | SF: Jayson Tatum | PF/C: Al Horford | C: Luke Kornet
Key Injuries/Updates: Will be updated later.
76ers: Can’t catch a break
The 76ers enter the affair after a 14-point loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves despite a 30-point performance by Quentin Grimes. It was their second straight defeat, and they have lost 13 out of their last 15 games. Philly is in jeopardy as their ace Joel Embiid has been sidelined indefinitely, and even his career is under threat. Thus, the 76ers have a lot of tough decisions to make about their franchise face. They do have solace in the electric Tyrese Maxey, but will he be willing to stick with this mess for too long?
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Maxey | SG/SF: Quentin Grimes | SG/SF: Kelly Oubre Jr. | SF: Paul George | C: Andre Drummond
Key Injuries/Updates: To be updated later.
The Celtics will enter the game after a back-to-back, and it is unclear if most of the players from the starting lineup will participate here. The 76ers can have such lineup flactuations here. Thus, it will be interesting to see what approach the two teams take. If they send their benches to battle it out, we can see a high-scorer. Since the Celts are likely to
Projected Predictions:
Jayson Tatum to grab over 10.5 rebounds: The Celtics ace has grabbed more than 8 rebounds per game since February. He can get in the 10-12 rebounds range IF he plays.
Payton Pritchard can score over 15.5 points: The Celtics guard has been on-and-off throughout the season, scoring both in the 18-20 range and 5-11 range at the same time. If the Celtics rest their starters, he can get a big role and end up in the 18-22 points range. If they play, then he also has the chance to get in the 16-18 range. UPDATE: Payton Pritchard erupted for 43 points against the Trail Blazers in the absence of Tatum, indicating his talent when the touches are increased.
Kelly Oubre Jr. to score over 19.5 points: The 76ers’ scorer has tallied 21.4 PPG over the last seven games, crossing the 20-point mark four times in the period. I expect him to be in the 22-25 points range here.
Andre Drummond to grab over 9.5 rebounds: The 76ers center has stacked 11.2 rebounds per game during the last five games. He can be in the 11-14 rebounds range here.
A lot will depend on what lineups the two teams unleash here. The 76ers will likely field a second-string lineup, considering Maxey’s back injury. In that case, it will be interesting to see if the Boston Celtics test their unreliable bench strength or if they will be concerned about losing some grip on the second seed. It will be interesting to see what decisions both teams will make before making a decisive pick.
Safe Spread Pick: Celtics -14.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Kyle Ross- Imagn Images
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