The Boston Celtics are undefeated so far this season against the Philadelphia 76ers. Will the Celtics complete a sweep of Philly in the regular season? Or, will the Sixers finally get the better of Boston?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, April 5, at 8 AM, Manila time

Away: Boston Celtics (54-24/25-15 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Marcus Smart
  • SG: Jaylen Brown (questionable)
  • SF: Jayson Tatum
  • PF: Al Horford 
  • C: Robert Williams III  (DTD)

Even though the Celtics have already locked up a spot in the playoffs, there’s still enough motivation for them to keep on winning games. At least for this upcoming game against Philly, the Celtics would love to complete a sweep of the Sixers just to send one more strong message to Joel Embiid and company, which would be especially useful if Boston ends up meeting the Sixers in the postseason. 

In fact, dating back to last season, the Celtics are 4-0 straight-up against Philadelphia and they have covered the spread in all those games as well. Boston’s defense certainly is having an effect on the Sixers, who are averaging 115.1 points per game on 56.2 eFG% this season but have just scored an average of 107.7 points on 53.1 eFG% in games versus the Celtics. The Celtics are on a two-game win streak after beating the Utah Jazz at home last Saturday, 122-114, and they have also won five of their last six overall.

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Home: Philadelphia 76ers (51-27/28-11 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: James Harden
  • SG: Tyrese Maxey
  • SF: Tobias Harris
  • PF: P.J. Tucker
  • C: Joel Embiid

The Sixers are looking for a pick-me-up after a bitter 117-104 loss at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday on the road. Philly is still out to prove that it is the best team in the East, so losing that one against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks did not help the Sixers. With the No. 2 team in the East ahead for their last chance to beat that same squad in the regular season, the Sixers will have everything they need to light a fire from under themselves. 

Embiid is still leading the Sixers, as he is averaging 33.0 points per game on 54.2 FG% to go with 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. It’s possible that the Celtics’ frontcourt won’t be at 100% Wednesday, but either way, Embiid can dominate any team with the MVP level he’s playing at this season. The x-factor for the Sixers in this matchup could be Tyrese Maxey, who has put up only 11.7 PPG in three meetings with Boston this season but has averaged 26.0 points on 60.5 FG% in the last four games. The Sixers are 3-1 ATS in their last four home games.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Sixers (-2.5) cover the spread.

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