It’s the first regular-season meeting in Philadelphia since the 76ers pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks of last season’s playoffs. Boston visits Philly tonight on NBC, and both teams know exactly what’s at stake in this rivalry. Fanatics Sportsbook is offering new users promo code FOXNEWS350 to bet $20 and get $350 in FanCash on Celtics vs. 76ers.
The collapse. Boston was the East’s No. 2 seed last spring and led seventh-seeded Philadelphia 3-1 in the first round. The 76ers then won three straight, closing it out 109-100 in Game 7 at TD Garden. For the Celtics, that series has been hanging over them since May. For the Sixers, it was the moment that turned them from a play-in team into a contender.
The arrival of LeBron. Philadelphia didn’t stand still after the upset. The 76ers added LeBron James to play alongside Tyrese Maxey, and the betting market now has them among the top title favorites in the league. This is LeBron’s first chance to play the Celtics in a Sixers uniform at home, and you can expect the building to be loud from the opening tip.
Boston’s response. The Celtics still have Jaylen Brown and a roster built on versatility and defense. They’re used to being the team everyone targets, and now they’re the team with something to prove. That flips the usual dynamic in this rivalry.
Philadelphia’s best path is pace. Maxey is at his most dangerous in transition, and LeBron’s ability to push the ball off a defensive rebound makes the Sixers tough to stop in the open floor. If the game gets fast, Philly has the edge at home.
Boston will want to slow things down, force the 76ers to execute in the halfcourt and lean on Brown to create late. The Celtics have the defensive length to make a halfcourt game uncomfortable for Philadelphia’s stars.
The Sixers are the hot name, they’re at home and the public will lean their way after last spring. That’s exactly why the value is on the other side. Boston is motivated, experienced and capable of turning this into a grind. Even if Philadelphia wins, a single-digit game is the most likely outcome between these two. Take the Celtics and the points, and collect $350 in FanCash either way.
The Knicks host the Bucks at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the Thunder visit Portland at 11 p.m. ET to close the night. Heat at Jazz and Magic at Kings fill out the middle of the schedule.
A playoff rematch with a new superstar in the mix. New users can bet $20 on Celtics vs. 76ers and get $350 in FanCash with Fanatics Sportsbook promo code FOXNEWS350.
