Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 12, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics matchup is one of the three NBA preseason games scheduled for Saturday. This will be both teams’ third preseason game. The Sixers are 1-1 so far, while Boston is 2-0.

These are two of the oldest franchises in the league and have faced each other 467 times in the regular season. The Celtics hold the upper hand with a 270-197 record. In 2023-24, they met four times, as Boston took the season series 3-1.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics game details and odds

The Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Oct. 12, at TD Garden. The game will stream live on NBA League Pass. It will also be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston and NBCSP+.

Moneyline: 76ers (+230) vs. Celtics (-280)

Spread: 76ers (+7) vs. Celtics (-7)

Total (O/U): 76ers -110 (o220.5) vs. Celtics -110 (u220.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics preview

The Sixers started their season with a 139-84 win over the New Zealand Breakers on Monday. They played the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and lost 121-111. Paul George led Philly with 23 points, while Tyrese Maxey had 21 points.

Joel Embiid is yet to feature for the team this preseason. The 76ers come into the season with championship aspirations with the trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey.

The Celtics are 2-0 in the preseason courtesy of two wins against the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi. The reigning champs looked the part and are heavy favorites to repeat. In their last game on Sunday, Boston beat Denver 130-104. Jaylen Brown had 21 points, Jayson Tatum had 17 and Derrick White had 13.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups

Joel Embiid didn’t make the trip for the Timberwolves game. He is listed as day-to-day for the Boston game. If he doesn’t play, coach Nick Nurse should start:

PG: Tyrese Maxey SG: Caleb Martin SF: Kelly Oubre Jr. PF: Paul George C: Andre Drummond

The Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis as he recovers from foot surgery. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla should start:

PG: Jrue Holiday SG: Derrick White SF: Jaylen Brown PF: Jayson Tatum C: Al Horford

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics prediction

The Celtics are heavily favored to win this game at home. With Joel Embiid’s status still unclear, expect Boston to cover the spread for a win. This should be a high-scoring game with the team total going past 220.5 points.