Streaking Celtics Host Inconsistent 76ers
The Boston Celtics (14-2 SU, 8-8 ATS, 7-9 O/U) have won six straight games in the BetUS Sportsbook, including Wednesday’s thrilling 119-111 win over the Golden State Warriors. The Philadelphia 76ers (7-8 SU, 6-9 ATS, 4-10-1 O/U) are still struggling with inconsistency in their search for their new identity.
The longtime rivals will look to pick up a win for fans and BetUS NBA sports betting enthusiasts tonight when they meet at TD Banknorth Garden.
The Celtics, who failed to cover the spread as a 12-point home favorite against Golden State, have used a scorching offense to win each of their last two matchups and saw four players top the 20-point mark against the Warriors, including blossoming point guard Rajon Rondo who scored 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting and added eight rebounds and seven assists..
“I think when he’s on like he’s on tonight, we’re unbeatable,” Pierce said of Rondo. “With me, Kevin (Garnett) and Ray (Allen) on a night in, night out basis, Rajon is now starting to develop that consistency as a player.”
In addition to Rondo’s solid performance, the Celtics also got a team-high 25 points from Ray Allen, and 21 points apiece from Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
While the Celtics look like they are on cruise control, racking up SU and ATS victories like nobody’s business, the Sixers have dropped two straight games, including Wednesday’s 96-94 home loss to the Orlando Magic.
Five players reached double figures in scoring, led by Elton Brand’s 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting but dropped their second straight game after losing to the Charlotte Bobcats 93-84 on Monday.
“That was a tough loss for us, going down the stretch like that,” 76ers head coach Maurice Cheeks said. “We had made plays up to that point. The way we played tonight was the way we need to play night in and night out.”
The Sixers have shot just 41.5 percent from the field over their last four contests.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.
BOSTON is 75-48 ATS (+22.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-40 ATS (+12.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NBA Odds
Philadelphia 76ers +9 -110
Boston Celtics -9 -110
Over 187 -110
Under 187 -110
Analysis: The Celtics have won each of their last two games with a stellar offensive effort, but I like them to get back to playing their stellar brand of defense to beat Philadelphia tonight. The 9-point spread may look a bit high, but I like the C’s to cover for backers with a bit of room to spare.
