The Philadelphia 76ers head into TD Garden on Sunday night to face the Boston Celtics in a matchup that has both playoff implications and star power. Tyrese Maxey, averaging 29.1 points per game, will be tasked with carrying the offensive load against a Celtics team led by Jaylen Brown, who also sits at 29.1 points per game.
Boston enters at 39‑20, riding strong momentum and boasting the league’s top defense, allowing just 107.5 points per game. Philadelphia, at 33‑26, has been inconsistent but dangerous, especially when Maxey is in rhythm.
Oddsmakers have installed Boston as an 8.5‑point favorite, with the total set at 221.5. The Celtics have covered in 14 of 21 games when favored by this margin, while the 76ers have been competitive as underdogs, covering in one of three chances.
With both teams combining to average 231.7 points per game, this contest sets up as a battle between Boston’s defensive discipline and Philadelphia’s offensive firepower.
Best Bet: 76ers +8.5 (-110) at DraftKings Sportsbook
Philadelphia has shown resilience against Boston in recent meetings, holding a 2‑1 record in their last three head‑to‑head matchups and covering the spread in all three. The Celtics are formidable at home, but their ATS record when favored by 8.5 or more (14‑7) leaves room for vulnerability.
The 76ers average 116.7 points per game, which is 9.2 more than Boston allows, suggesting they can push the pace and keep this game competitive. Boston’s defense is elite, but Philadelphia’s offense has consistently hit overs, with 32 of 59 games going above the total.
The spread feels inflated given Maxey’s scoring ability and the 76ers’ recent success against Boston. While the Celtics may ultimately win, the 76ers covering +8.5 is the stronger play.
This bet leans on Philadelphia’s offensive efficiency, their ability to exploit Boston’s occasional lapses, and their proven track record against the Celtics this season.
Combined Odds: +200
This safer parlay ties together Philadelphia’s ability to keep the game close, Maxey’s consistent scoring output, and Brown’s steady production. If the 76ers cover, it will be because Maxey delivers offensively, while Brown ensures Boston remains competitive.
Combined Odds: +650
This longshot parlay banks on Boston covering the spread, with both Brown and Maxey delivering explosive scoring nights. The correlation is clear: if the Celtics win big, Brown will likely lead the charge, while Maxey’s scoring keeps the game high‑paced enough to hit the over.
The above odds are sourced from FanDuel.
Odds updated: March 1, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. ET. Lines may move throughout the day.
| Team | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Baylor Scheierman | Thumb | Day‑to‑Day |
| Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum | Achilles | Out |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Johni Broome | Knee | Out |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Joel Embiid | Oblique | Out |
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers tip off on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The game will be played at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Fans can watch the game on NBC/Peacock and NBCS‑PH.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Arena | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| TV/Streaming | NBC/Peacock and NBCS‑PH |
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