Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics: Dominant Embiid visit red-hot Celtics

The NBA Eastern Conference has seen a huge rise in stocks this season. Many teams have been improving at an electric rate and they have put the league on notice. The East had been mocked by various fans for its lack of depth and despite not having a single team in the top-three position record-wise, the win-loss column looks much better for the 7th to 11th team in the Eastern Conference Standings look much better than the Western Conference. And that is why, the East is arguably peaking and when we talk about peaking, we have to talk about the Boston Celtics who will meet the Philadelphia 76ers here.

The Celtics have 33 wins and 25 losses, and they have played their basketball since February, winning eight in a row and heating up the Eastern Conference top-spot race. They have also won four of their last away from homes fixtures and they will meet a tough Sixers team here. This is the best basketball the team has played in two seasons now and as the postseason closes in, they will face fiercer squads from the East. The Celtics look even more formidable after bringing in a starting-level PG in Derrick White.

On the other hand, the 76ers have won two in a row and doing a great job with Joel Embiid in the middle. They have 34 wins and 22 losses and after finishing at the top of the Eastern Conference last season, the 76ers are definitely in the hunt for the top spot in the East. The team did acquire James Harden but he hasn’t played so far as a hamstring injury has bothered him quite a bit. The bench has been a huge problem for the Celtics but they are building a strong main-five. Can they take care of the Celtics at home? For my game total and result prediction, jump to “Expert Betting Tips”. To know my player-based predictions, go to “Player Performance Prediction”.

76ers’ carried by Embiid, Celtics’ brilliant defense

The 76ers can be a tough squad in the Playoffs

Joel Embiid has been a force on both ends of the floor and he keeps on intimidating opponents with the will to finish inside and also score from other areas. He is a terrific rebounder and defensive player but his playmaking is equally impressive. Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey have provided ample offensive support. Meanwhile, Matisse Thybulle and Danny Green are two terrific perimeter defenders, providing balance to the Embiid-led lineup. The Philadelphia outfit can shape up to be a terrifying one if James Harden adjusts to the current system.

Celtics’ incredible defense

Celtics’ defense has been just otherworldy and they keep on trumping opponents after opponents but taking the steam out of their offense. There is no doubt that they have been the best defensive team this month and for a team that was struggling to even put together four wins in a row earlier, the defensive impact has rescued the team from lingering around the 50% win mark and there is no doubt that the team has peaked at the right time. This is not a surprise considering their individual brilliant defenders in Smart, Brown, Tatum, Horford, and Williams III. Their passing has also improved while the box score looks more balanced than ever with the inclusion of Derrick White.

Player Performance Prediction

Assuming they are available, these are my player-based statistics prediction:

• I believe the Celtics will limit Joel Embiid under 30 points here;
• I see Derrick White dishing at least 6 assists here;
• I believe Tobias Harris will score at least 16 but below 20;
• I believe Robert Williams III will have at least 12 rebounds here;
• I see Tyrese Maxey scoring at least 15 points here;
• I believe Jaylen Brown will score at least 23 points here.

Expert Betting Tips

Points Range: The 76ers have usually scored in the 103-108 points range which is a little down compared to last month. On the other hand, the Celtics have scored have usually scored around 105-108 lately but they have shown the potential to go past 110 points every now and then. Defensively, both squads are amazing and have the ability to limit teams below 100, but the Celtics have been just on whole another level lately on defense. This can be a grind-out game. I think the total points range here is 200-210.

Prediction: The Central match-up mostly when playing against the 76ers seems to be Embiid and the Celtics have a strong frontcourt of Williams and Horford but remember, Embiid dropped 40 against a strong frontline of Cavs with Mobley and Allen. The Celtics aren’t that deep but their Point Guard depth is certainly superior to the 76ers as of now and this is where they can extract an advantage. That is why I see the Celtics taking this one 104:100.

Betting Odds

• Any Other Score- Win With Difference of Under 8 for 1.91;
• Total Under 210.5 for 1.97;
• Player Props: Player Rebounds: Robert Williams III Over 10.5 for 2.10.