The Boston Celtics, still smoldering from their recent win, will host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers for the fourth and final meeting between these Atlantic division rivals this regular season. Will Boston, which has won two or three games against the Sixers this season, blast Philadelphia again? Or will the 76ers pull off a surprise?
Catch this game live on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 8:30 AM, Manila time
Away: Philadelphia 76ers (21-40, 10-19 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Jared Butler
- Quentin Grimes
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Paul George (Questionable)
- Andre Drummond
It’s not getting much better for the 76ers, who have won just once in their last 12 games. After stunning the Golden State Warriors at home last Sunday, Philadelphia is on a tailspin again, having lost both their games since. In their last outing, the Sixers got crushed by the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road, 126-112, on Wednesday.
Despite all those losses, the Sixers still have a fair shot at making it to the Play-in Tournament picture, though, they will not get help from Tyrese Maxey this Friday. Maxey, along with Joel Embiid, is not suiting up against the Celtics. Meanwhile, Paul George is questionable. That means another opportunity for Quentin Grimes to shine. He has been a bright spot on the Sixers of late, as he’s put up 88 points on a 62.2 field goal percentage in his last three games.
The 76ers are 2-1 against the spread in their last three games in Boston.
Home: Boston Celtics (44-18, 20-11 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Derrick White
- Sam Hauser
- Jaylen Brown
- Al Horford
- Luke Kornet
Payton Pritchard and Derrick White may still be smoking this Friday after each went off in Thursday’s 128-118 win at home over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pac-12 duo played liked future Hall of Famers against the Blazers, with Pritchard scoring 43 points off the bench on the strength of his 10 made 3-pointers. White, on the other hand, erupted for 41 points with nine triples.
Without Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics were able to lean on those two to carry the offense, with Jaylen Brown taking a back seat. Brown, who had 18 points on a salty 7-for-23 shooting versus Portland, could return to form this Friday, though. He averaged 21.3 points on a 49.1 FG% in three games this season opposite the 76ers. It remains to be seen whether the Celtics will have Tatum, Porzingis, or Holiday available for this game against Philly.
The Celtics are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games at home.
Picks
Spread: Philadelphia 76ers (+14.5)
Over/Under: Under (222.0)
