Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers prediction, odds, TV channel

Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Monday night’s matchup between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers simply can’t be spun into anything other than an intriguing isolated duel between two teams that are so short-handed we are guaranteed to see lineups we’ve never seen before and may never see again.

As many as 10 Cs are listed on the injury report tonight, and that includes a questionable Jayson Tatum (left ankle sprain), Dennis Schroder (non-COVID illness) and Romeo Langford (neck pain). Al Horford, Grant Williams, Juancho Hernangomez, Jabari Parker, Sam Hauser, Josh Richardson and Brodric Thomas are all in the league’s health and safety protocols.

Philly is also shorthanded, per Liberty Ballers’ Dave Early:

"Center Andre Drummond and guard Shake Milton are out, joining forward Georges Niang in health and safety protocols. Furkan Korkmaz is figures to be out, dealing with a non-COVID illness. Joel Embiid is listed questionable, nursing a sore ankle from when he landed on Kyle Lowry in their loss to the heat. Stellar sophomore Tyrese Maxey is also listed questionable with the quad contusion he sustained versus the Heat as well."

And, of course, that doesn’t account for the ongoing absence of disgruntled max contract earner Ben Simmons.

So, in essence, we have a matchup that’s prime for live-bettors, but Hardwood Houdini is still here to dish out some odds, TV channel info, and a prediction ahead of Monday night’s short-handed battle between Atlantic Division rivals:

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the Celtics are a 3.5-point favorites against the Sixers at home. Philly is a +140 underdog on the road , with the Cs moneyline set at -160. The over/under for the game has been placed at 213.5 points.

Philadelphia has lost its last three while the Celtics have won two of their last three coming into this one…not that the rosters will be recognizable anyway.

Celtics vs. 76ers TV channel

This one will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston and NBC Sports Philadelphia. You could also catch the action on NBA League Pass.

Celtics vs. 76ers prediction

With both teams shorthanded, this will come down to what stars end up in uniform. As of right now, the Cs still have most of their core, and Philadelphia is strongly reliant on Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, who could both be absent Monday.

Ime Udoka needs momentum, and this might be his easiest matchup until New Year’s. Take the Cs outright, while upgrading that to the spread if you see Jayson Tatum will be available or that Joel Embiid won’t be.

Pick: Celtics ML (-160)