3 Best NBA Prop Bets Today for Celtics vs. Sixers (Boston's Defense Ready to Feast on Shorthanded Philly Team)
By Matt De Saro
The NBA trade deadline drama is behind us and now it's time to watch each team see if their moves made them better or worse.
One of the teams I am most interested in seeing is the Philadelphia 76ers after they unloaded a useless Ben Simmons on the Brooklyn Nets in return for James Harden. Harden will not be available tonight but there are still tons of player props floating around. Let’s take a look at some prop odds for this Eastern Conference rivalry, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
3 Best Prop Bets for Celtics vs. Sixers
- Joel Embiid UNDER 48.5 Points + Assists + Rebounds (-125)
- Jayson Tatum OVER 0.5 Blocked Shots (-125)
- Tyrese Maxey UNDER 16.5 Points (-110)
Joel Embiid OVER 48.5 Points + Assists + Rebounds (-116)
Betting on Joel Embiid is becoming a bit of a habit for me, but this time I am going to fade the MVP candidate on his PAR total listed at 48.5.
High to be sure, but only for mortal players. Embiid is clearly something else and is leading the league with 29.5 points per game.
He’s also eighth in rebounds with 11.2 per game and third in PER.
Pretty impressive yes, but I am going to side turn my back on him for a change here. For starters, this is a massive total, even for Embiid.
The second is that the Celtics have an extraordinary defense. They rank fourth in defensive scoring and, more importantly, rank second in limiting points in the paint. Boston also ranks first in assists allowed per game.
This brings me to my second reason for the fade here. Assists are like the tango, it takes two to get it done. And, with a limited roster right now, Embiid will be lacking options.
Tyrese Maxey UNDER 16.5 Points (-110)
Sticking with my fear of the Celtics defense against the Sixers offense, I am going to bet against Maxey at the point tonight.
This despite him coming off a 24 point game where he went 9-for-14, 2-4 3PT, 4-5 FT.) It was his second 20+ point game of the month and he’s scored in double digits in his last 17 games while averaging almost 18 points per game during that span.
But, the Celtics defense is very, very good. They not only protect the paint very well, but they are the seventh-ranked team in fast-break points allowed and give opposing point guards a very tough time. They lead the NBA in opponent effective field goal percentage, two-point percentage, and overall shooting percentage.
Need I go on? Basically, this is a nightmare matchup for this entire Sixers offense, but especially Maxey.
Jayson Tatum OVER 0.5 Blocked Shots (-125)
While Embiid might not have the MVP quality game that we have gotten used to from him, it won't be for lack of trying. He is the team’s biggest threat and will need to push the ball himself even if it isn't going well.
I think this will lead to a lot of extra rebounds, steals, and blocks for the Celtics tonight. Tatum is no Ben Wallace, but he did have two blocked shots in his last game out and with all the action in the paint tonight, I think he gets his hands on another.
Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE