The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are set to play on Christmas Day at TD Garden in Boston, MA. The game will tip off at 5:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. Philadelphia comes in with a 9-17 record, while Boston sits at 22-7. This is a key Eastern Conference matchup with the Celtics looking to bounce back after a loss to the Magic, and the 76ers trying to gain momentum after a difficult start to their season.
Joel Embiid leads the Sixers and is expected to have a strong showing in this game. The Celtics, one of the NBA’s best teams this year, have been dominant at home with an 11-4 record. Boston also has won three straight games against Philadelphia, including five of the last six meetings dating back to the 2022-23 playoffs.
76ers Preview – Can Embiid Lead the Way?
Philadelphia has struggled this season, but the return of Joel Embiid gives them a fighting chance. Embiid has played only eight games this year, averaging 33.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and five assists in games where he’s logged 30+ minutes. Despite limited action, he has consistently performed well against Boston, averaging 29.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over the last five years in this matchup.
Offensively, the 76ers are near the bottom of the league, ranking 30th in scoring at 105.7 points per game. Tyrese Maxey has been a bright spot, averaging 25.1 points while shooting 42.6% from three in recent games. Paul George contributes 5.1 assists per game, while Maxey adds five assists as well. A healthy Embiid, along with these two playmakers, could make the difference against Boston’s tough defense.
Defensively, the 76ers rank 10th in points allowed but struggle in field goal defense, sitting at 27th in the league. Joel Embiid leads the team in blocks at 1.1 per game, and Tyrese Maxey leads in steals with two per game. The Sixers will need a complete defensive effort to contain Boston’s deep roster.
Celtics Preview – Staying Dominant at Home
The Boston Celtics have been one of the best teams in the league this season. They enter this matchup with a 22-7 record, including a perfect 6-0 record following a loss. Boston’s roster features stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White, giving them multiple offensive options.
Offensively, the Celtics have one of the most balanced attacks in the league. Jayson Tatum leads the way with 11.3 rebounds per game in December while averaging over 25 points per game this season. Derrick White has stepped up recently, scoring 17 points in their loss to Orlando on Monday and averaging 18.3 points against Philadelphia in their last four meetings.
Defensively, Boston has been excellent, ranking in the top 10 in several categories. The Celtics are particularly strong against three-point shooting, though they’ve allowed opponents to shoot 36.5% from deep in their last three games. Tatum’s ability to crash the boards, combined with Porzingis’ rim protection, makes them a tough team to score against in the paint.
Betting Prediction
The Celtics are favored by 10 points, and the total is set at 222. Boston’s strong home record and depth make them a good bet to win outright. The 76ers could cover the spread if Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey can deliver strong performances. With both teams featuring top-10 defenses, the Under on the total points looks like a solid play.
- Pick: Celtics to win but 76ers to cover (+10)
- Predicted Score: Celtics 110, 76ers 103
