Philadelphia (21-40) at Boston (44-18)
- When: Mar 6 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA, USA
- TV: TNT
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Betting Preview & Predictions
Boston is a heavy 14-point favorite, with the total set at 221.0.
The struggling Philadelphia 76ers travel to TD Garden on Thursday night, hoping to snap their five-game road losing streak against an Eastern Conference powerhouse in the Boston Celtics. With Joel Embiid sidelined for the season, injuries piling up, and 11 losses in their last 12 games, the 76ers are spiraling. Meanwhile, Boston has already clinched a playoff spot and continues to dominate, winning eight of its last ten games.
With Philadelphia dealing with injuries to key players like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, this matchup could get out of hand quickly. Boston has already won two of the three meetings this season, including back-to-back double-digit victories in February.
Philadelphia 76ers: A Team in Freefall
It’s been a nightmare stretch for Philadelphia (35-29), who has lost 11 of their last 12 games and is barely clinging to a play-in spot. The biggest blow came with Joel Embiid’s season-ending knee injury, and things have only gotten worse since.
Injury Concerns
Tyrese Maxey (26.3 PPG) missed Tuesday’s 126-112 loss to Minnesota after landing awkwardly on his back Monday. His status is questionable.
Paul George returned Tuesday from groin soreness but struggled, shooting 3-for-11 from the field before exiting in the fourth quarter when the injury flared up again.
“It didn’t feel 100 percent to start,” George admitted after the game. “By the third or fourth quarter, it was just tight, and I couldn’t move.”
Bright Spot: Quentin Grimes
If there’s any positive takeaway for the 76ers, it’s the emergence of Quentin Grimes. Since being acquired from Dallas, he’s averaging 17.7 PPG while shooting 52.4% from the field and 38.2% from three. He’s had back-to-back 30-point performances and even posted a career-high 44 points against Golden State last weekend.
Betting Trends for Philadelphia:
0-5 in last five road games
1-4 ATS in last five overall
Over has hit in six of their last seven games
Boston Celtics: Locked in as Playoff Contenders
The Celtics (52-14) have already secured a postseason berth and are laser-focused on securing home-court advantage. Boston has been dominant at home (29-3) and is coming off a 128-118 win over Portland on Wednesday, despite missing Jayson Tatum (shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and Jrue Holiday (finger).
Unexpected Heroes
With multiple stars out, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White stole the show against Portland.
Pritchard dropped a career-high 43 points, drilling 10 three-pointers.
White added 41 points and nine triples of his own.
Coach Joe Mazzulla praised their performance:
“With guys out, we needed players to step up, and Pritchard and White delivered. They do the dirty work when we’re fully healthy, and tonight was a chance to showcase what they’re capable of.”
Boston has already won two of three matchups against Philly this season, including 118-110 and 124-104 road victories in February.
Betting Trends for Boston:
8-2 in last 10 games
6-3-1 ATS in last 10 games
6-1 ATS in last seven home games
Final Prediction & Best Bets
The 76ers are dealing with too many injuries, and even if Maxey plays, it’s hard to trust this struggling squad against one of the NBA’s best home teams. Boston has handled Philly comfortably in the last two meetings and should dominate again, especially with Jayson Tatum expected back.
Best Bets:
Boston -14 – The Celtics have won by 14+ in their last two meetings against Philadelphia.
Over 221.0 – Philadelphia’s defense has been porous, and Boston’s offense is clicking, even without its stars.
Boston 1H -7.5 – Expect the Celtics to come out hot against a depleted Sixers squad.
Projected Score: Boston 122, Philadelphia 103
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
