The Boston Celtics suffered a narrow loss to the Magic in Orlando on Monday, and they’ll look to get back on track with a home victory over a surging 76ers team fresh off a win.
My 76ers vs. Celtics predictions expect Joel Embiid to have a strong performance but Boston to prevail in a low-scoring contest.
Read my NBA picks for December 25.
76ers vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points+rebounds+assists (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Joel Embiid has only played eight games this season, logging 30+ minutes in only four of them. Over his last three with at least 30 minutes, the big man has averaged 33.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and five assists.
He was ejected from Monday’s game in the second quarter, and since December 13, he’s only logged 62 total minutes. That means he should be fresh (or as fresh as can be in Embiid’s case) for a Christmas showdown with the Boston Celtics. I fully expect Embiid to see at least 30 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers, and he should have no problem cashing the Over.
Across his last 16 against Boston over the last five years, Embiid averaged 29.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Those numbers have been pretty steady in seven games at TD Garden, going for 27.4 points, 10.6 boards, and 3.6 dimes. Embiid has seen his most minutes and best production on the road this season, averaging 30 PRAs at home compared to 37.4 away from Wells Fargo Center.
The C’s have allowed the eighth-most rebounds and sixth-most paint points this season, making this a great matchup for Embiid. Boston has also allowed 38.3 PRAs to opposing centers over the last 15 games.
Embiid will play in his fifth Christmas game. In the first four, he posted 31.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, including a 34/16/2 performance at TD Garden on December 25, 2018.
His PRAs line is set far too low not to bet the Over, and I’m happy to take advantage of this mispriced line.
76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay
Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points+rebounds+assists
Celtics moneyline
Under 222
The shorthanded Magic handled the Celtics on Monday, and Boston will be hungry to get back in the win column on Christmas.
The Sixers are 7-3 straight up and 6-4 ATS over their last 10 — so they can certainly cover this large spread — which is why I'll just take Boston to win outright.
The Celtics are a perfect 6-0 following a loss, and the team is 11-4 at home overall. I like Boston to bounce back at home, albeit in a tighter game than the spread implies.
In a matchup between two Top-10 defenses, I’m certainly keen to take the Under here. The Celtics are 1-5 to the Under following a loss, and the 76ers are 3-5-1 after a win. Boston has hit the Under in five straight, and the team will be hungry to get back in the win column after letting a depleted Magic team get a win on Monday.
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76ers vs Celtics odds
76ers vs Celtics live odds
76ers vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Philadelphia -9.5 (-110) | Boston +9.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Philadelphia -425 | Boston +325
- Over/Under: Over 222 (-110) | Under 222 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
76ers vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- After a rocky start, Philadelphia is 7-3 straight up and 6-4 ATS, and the team is 10-17 straight up and 10-17 ATS.
- Boston has lost two of three and failed to cover in two of three, bringing its record to 22-7 straight up and 11-18 ATS.
- The 76ers have hit the Over in two straight and three of four, and Philly os 13-13-1 on the season.
- The Celtics have hit the Under in five straight and 16 of 29 games in 2024-25.
76ers vs Celtics trend
Boston has won three straight against Philadelphia and five of six dating back to the 2022-23 playoffs. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Wednesday, 12-25-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
76ers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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