The first game of the 2022-23 NBA season sees the Philadelphia 76ers visit Boston to try to take the Celtics down. Can they spoil the party for the hosts and 2022 NBA Finalists?

Catch this game live on October 19, at 7:30 AM, Manila time.

Away: Philadelphia 76ers (0-0, 0-0 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

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

The Philadelphia 76ers saw James Harden take a pay cut to help bring some help in, most notably in the form of PJ Tucker, whose shooting and defense continues to be coveted by teams that want to make deep playoff runs.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a Sixers roster with no major injuries listed on their depth chart, so this opening night game should be interesting. Without Robert Williams III, the Celtics may have trouble containing Joel Embiid – who averaged 24.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks against Boston last season. 

Harden, of course, will be the primary distributor, so the Sixers will also likely need a big game from Tyrese Maxey if they want a good shot at winning away from home. Maxey averaged 13.3 points in three regular season games against the Sixers last campaign.

Advertisement

Home: Boston Celtics (0-0, 0-0 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Marcus smart / Malcolm Brogdon (both day-to-day)
  • SG: Derrick White
  • SF: Jaylen Brown
  • PF: Jayson Tatum
  • C: Al Horford

News of Timelord being out until Christmas isn’t fun for the Boston Celtics, who are already a bit thin on their big man rotation. Al Horford should have the starting spot and rotate a fair bit of time with Blake Griffin, who was brought in for additional veteran experience to bolster their young squad.

The point guard spot is a bit of an unknown for the game, as Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon are both currently listed as day-to-day. If they’re not 100% ready on opening day, then Payton Pritchard will get extra minutes.

However, the Celtics likely have their star duo in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 45.1 points, 16.8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game in four regular season contests against Philadelphia last season.

PREDICTION:

Spread: I think the Celtics show up a little healthier and manage to cover -2.5.

Over/Under: First game of the season should see a little bit of sloppy defense, so I’m liking the over 214.5.

Advertisement