Philadelphia-76ers vs Boston Celtics February 2nd 2025
At 6:00 ET, the 76ers will host the Celtics in a divisional matchup. Boston (-552) is favored by 11 points over Philadelphia (+408). The over/under line is set at 222.5.
This game will be played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. ESPN will televise the contest.
Celtics vs. 76ers Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers
- Where: Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center
- Date: Sunday, February 2nd
- Betting Odds BOS -11, BOS -552 | PHI +408 O/U 222.5
The Celtics Can Win If…
Boston improved to 34-15 with a 118-116 win over the Pelicans on Friday. The Celtics were favored by 12 points but didn’t cover the spread, while the game’s total of 234 points narrowly exceeded the over/under line of 231.
After trailing 34-31 in the 1st quarter, Boston took control by outscoring New Orleans 28-19 in the 2nd. They entered the 4th quarter with a 91-86 lead but were outscored 30-27 in the final period, holding on for the win.
Jaylen Brown’s 28 points and 6 rebounds led the Celtics to a 118-116 win over the Pelicans, shooting 61.1% from the field and 50% from three. Jayson Tatum added 27 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, hitting 4 threes at 40% efficiency.
The Celtics made 16 threes, shooting 39% from deep and 50% overall. Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White each contributed 16 points, with Porzingis and Luke Kornet scoring 7 points in the 4th quarter.
Despite giving up 116 points, the Celtics’ defense shined in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 19 points, which helped them secure a win over the Pelicans. Boston also sent New Orleans to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 13 of their attempts.
From beyond the arc, the Celtics allowed 15 threes on 40% shooting. They also gave up 10 offensive rebounds. However, Boston’s defense was active, recording 12 steals and 7 blocks.
- In their last ten games away from home, the Celtics have a straight up record of 7-3 while going 4-5-1 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 111 points per game in these contests.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Celtics have a straight up record of 6-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 4-6.
- Over their last three games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.
The 76ers Can Win If…
Philadelphia’s season record dropped to 19-28 after a 137-134 home loss to Denver on Friday. The 76ers, who were +9.5 point underdogs, kept it close, losing by just three points. The game’s total of 271 points exceeded the O/U line of 235 by 36 points.
Philadelphia trailed 38-36 after the 1st quarter and 73-69 at halftime. They edged Denver 31-30 in the 3rd quarter, entering the 4th down 103-100. Both teams scored 34 points in the final quarter.
In their 137-134 loss to the Nuggets, the 76ers shot 55.6% from the field and connected on 21 threes at a 52.5% clip. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 42 points and 9 assists, hitting 6 threes at 54.5% efficiency.
Guerschon Yabusele added 28 points, shooting 70.6% from the field and making 4 threes. Kelly Oubre contributed 27 points, with 14 coming in the 2nd quarter.
The 76ers struggled defensively on Friday, giving up 137 points to the Nuggets, who shot 65% from the field. Philadelphia allowed 38 points in the 1st quarter and 35 in the 2nd, with Denver scoring 34 in the 4th.
From beyond the arc, the Nuggets hit 12 threes at a 52% clip. Denver also went 17/18 from the free-throw line. The 76ers finished with 12 steals and 3 blocks.
- Across the 76ers last three home games, the team averaged 109 points per game while allowing 121. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
- The 76ers have played well in their last three games as the betting underdog, going 2-1 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.
- In their last five games, the 76ers have an over/under record of 4-1 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
The Celtics is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 137-97. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Celtics at -11.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 222.5 and our model has the Celtics and 76ers finishing with a combined 234 points. Our pick is to take the over.
Celtics Aim to Avenge Holiday Loss Against Undermanned Sixers
The Boston Celtics haven’t forgotten their Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and on Sunday, they’ll have a chance to even the score when they visit their shorthanded Eastern Conference rival.
Celtics Looking for Payback
Boston (34-12) has been rolling lately, winning five of its last seven games, but inconsistency has crept into its performances. The Celtics’ Christmas Day loss to the Sixers was a wake-up call, marking their first back-to-back defeats of the season.
In that 118-114 loss, Jayson Tatum scored 32 points, but the Celtics struggled to contain Tyrese Maxey, who torched them for 33 points and 12 assists. After the game, Tatum emphasized that the team needed to improve.
“There’s things that we gotta address. We gotta be better,” Tatum said. “It’s still a long season. Nobody’s panicking. … Everyone’s fully capable, and we’ve always done a good job at responding.”
Tatum backed up his words with a clutch game-winning jumper in Friday’s 118-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing with 27 points and 10 assists.
Boston’s Key Strengths and Weaknesses
- Star Power: Jaylen Brown (28 points vs. New Orleans) and Tatum remain the offensive engine for Boston.
- Late-Game Execution: Boston has shown resilience in close games, as seen against the Pelicans.
- Rebounding Concerns: The Celtics were outworked on the glass (48-35) against New Orleans, an area they must address.
Short-Handed Sixers Face a Tough Task
Philadelphia (30-16) had its four-game winning streak snapped in a thrilling 137-134 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
Maxey continued his All-Star-caliber season with 42 points and nine assists, but it wasn’t enough. Despite averaging 27.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.9 steals, Maxey was left off the All-Star roster—something that could add fuel to his fire against Boston.
Key Absences for Philadelphia:
- Joel Embiid (knee) – OUT
- Paul George (finger) – OUT
With their two biggest stars missing, Guerschon Yabusele has stepped up, dropping a career-high 28 points against Denver. The former Celtics first-rounder has been a bright spot for Philadelphia, averaging 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds this season.
“It was definitely a good game for us,” Yabusele said. “Sure, we didn’t get the win, but I feel like we’re on the right way.”
Game Outlook: Can Boston Capitalize?
Boston has a prime opportunity to avenge its Christmas loss and take advantage of a depleted Sixers squad. However, with Maxey playing at an elite level, the Celtics can’t afford to take Philadelphia lightly.
Will Boston get its revenge, or can the Sixers pull off another upset without their stars?