NBA opening night: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers prediction, odds, TV channel
The 2022-23 NBA season begins Tuesday, October 18 with a clash between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on TNT. Boston will be in pursuit of Banner 18 this campaign, while Philadelphia will be looking to advance past the second round of the postseason for the first time in 22 years.
To say these Atlantic Division rivals have had a much different off-season would be an understatement. While both teams mostly kept their core the same and added key pieces, the Sixers had a feel-good summer; the Cs did not.
The Celtics suspending head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 season on September 21 cast a dark shadow on the preseason, but the cohesiveness showed in two solid wins over the Charlotte Hornets and in two losses to the Toronto Raptors during the exhibition slate — the first matchup of which would have been a win had interim head coach Joe Mazzulla needed to for record’s sake.
Make no mistake about it: Boston is better roster-wise than it was last season when they won the Eastern Conference. Malcolm Brogdon moves the needle forward significantly for the second unit, and Blake Griffin provides a skillful veteran who could shine in flashes and provide more leadership. Noah Vonleh could be a small-usage weapon if he returns to his level of production from his days with the New York Knicks. Ditto for Justin Jackson.
Philadelphia, however, is also vastly improved. P.J. Tucker’s presence elevated Milwaukee to a championship level, and while the 76ers are nowhere near as close as the Buckers were, he has proven capable of winning alongside James Harden. Speaking of ‘The Beard,’ Harden now has contract security and could reward his team like Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo did two seasons ago. Beyond that, DeAnthony Melton, Danuel House, and Montrezl Harrell represent a rebuilt bench in the City of Brotherly Love.
Hardwood Houdini has your odds and a prediction for the first half of an NBA opening night double-header between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers (all odds provided by WynnBET):
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers odds, spread, over/under
The Celtics are 2.5-point favorites against the 76ers. Philadelphia is a +115 underdog while Boston’s ML is set at -135. The over/under for the game has been placed at 216.5 points.
Celtics vs. 76ers prediction
This game will be a test for the Boston Celtics frontcourt, which is months away from having their starting center Robert Williams III back on the floor. Joel Embiid is the most dominant force in the paint and could finish from the midrange with regularity. If the Cs can smother him and force turnovers, Boston could be due for a big win.
And you know what? The Houdini has had enough of the bad news. Send us in on the spread with a statement win in Joe Mazzulla’s head coaching debut.
Pick: Celtics -2.5 (-110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.