Wednesday night’s NBA action is highlighted by a clash between Atlantic Division rivals. Both the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers figure to be contenders in the Eastern Conference this season, but both teams have been forced to overcome virus obstacles in recent weeks. The NBA betting odds and expert Celtics vs 76ers prediction analysts view the home team as a modest favorite.
Celtics vs 76ers Game Info
Boston Celtics (8-4, 4-2 Away) at Philadelphia 76ers (9-5, 7-1 Home)
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
Venue: Wells Fargo Center
Start Time: 7 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN
Celtics vs 76ers NBA Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook
Moneyline: BOS: (+170) | PHI: (-200)
Spread: BOS: +5 (-110) | PHI: -5 (-110)
Total: 220.5 – Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Celtics vs 76ers NBA Betting Overview
Celtics Outlook
After having a full week off due to swelling virus cases, the Celtics finally returned to the court last Friday. A resounding win over the Orlando Magic was followed up by a 30-point loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday. Boston will look to right the ship as NBA betting underdogs on the road in Philadelphia Wednesday night. This game will mark the second appearance of the season for point guard Kemba Walker. The Celtics need Walker to step up as a primary scoring option alongside Jaylen Brown in the worst way. The team will once again be without star forward Jayson Tatum due to the virus.
Celtics Injury Report
- Jayson Tatum (virus)
- Robert Williams III (virus)
- Carson Edwards (virus)
- Romeo Langford (wrist)
- Semi Ojeleye (virus)
76ers Outlook
While the 76ers have have also battled numerous virus. There were a couple of nights when Philadelphia had the minimum of eight eligible players available to play. Despite facing this distinct disadvantage, the team fought hard throughout. After sweeping the Miami Heat last week, Philadelphia dropped a two-point decision to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend. Then, their last game, which was scheduled against the Oklahoma City Thunder, was postponed.
Doc Rivers will look to get his squad back on track against the same Boston franchise he led to the promised land just over a decade ago. Sixers star big man Joel Embiid did miss the game against Memphis with a knee injury. He is not listed on the team’s injury report ahead of tonight’s contest. His return will give Philly one of the most complete rosters they’ve had in quite some time, added reason why they are NBA betting favorites for the game.
76ers Injury Report
- Out: Seth Curry (virus), Mike Scott (knee), Vincent Poirier (virus), Furkan Korkmaz (thigh)
Celtics vs 76ers NBA Betting Trends
- Celtics 2020-21 Betting Trends: 7-5 ATS; 6-6 to the Over
- 76ers 2020-21 Betting Trends: 7-7 ATS; 6-8 to the Over
- The Celtics are 3-0 both SU and ATS as road underdogs this season.
- The 76ers are 7-0 SU (4-3 ATS) as a home favorite this season.
Celtics vs 76ers Statistics
- Boston is averaging 110.8 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 17 in the NBA)
- Boston is surrendering 109.5 PPG on the season (Tied for No. 11 in the NBA)
- Philadelphia is averaging 113.6 PPG this season (No. 10 in the NBA)
- Philadelphia is surrendering 110.4 PPG (No. 15 in the NBA)
Celtics vs 76ers Prop Bet
Kemba Walker Over 13.5 Total Points (-130 at Bovada Sportsbook)
With Jayson Tatum once again unavailable, the Celtics will need to find reliable scoring from someone besides Jaylen Brown if they are to have any shot at winning tonight’s game. It may only be his second game back from his knee injury, but Kemba Walker is the most likely candidate to give Boston an offensive boost.
After scoring nine points in his season debut on Sunday, I’m confident that Walker will supply at least five more than that to go over the NBA betting props line of 13.5. Keep in mind that Walker only played 20 minutes in his first game of the season, a number that will only increase moving forward. While he probably won’t play a full allotment of minutes tonight, I like him to make good on the additional ones that he does pick up.
