A classic Eastern Conference rivalry gets a new twist Friday night when the Celtics visit the Sixers in the opening game of NBA Cup group play. It’s also a Halloween showdown on Amazon Prime Video, tipping off at 7 p.m. ET from Philadelphia. The teams met on opening night, where the Sixers escaped Boston with a one-point win, 117-116.

Since then, both teams have found momentum: Boston rebounded from a 0-3 start with two straight wins, while Philadelphia enters Friday’s contest at a perfect 4-0.

Celtics vs. 76ers NBA Betting Odds

Philadelphia is listed as a 4.5-point home favourite on the NBA odds with the total set at 231.5. The Sixers rank second in offensive rating thanks to elite shot-making from their young backcourt, but sit 26th in defensive efficiency. Boston is ninth in both offensive and defensive rating, showing improvement on the defensive end during its last two wins. These teams play at slower paces and rely heavily on perimeter scoring.

The Sixers are 3-1 against the spread this season, while the Celtics are 2-3. Additionally, Philly is a perfect 4-0 to the Over, while Boston carries a 2-3 mark. The Over cashed when these teams met earlier this season, but defence should pick up given that this game is part of the NBA Cup.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are still adjusting to a season without Jayson Tatum, who is out for the year with an Achilles injury. Their offence leans more on ball movement and spacing, with strong early contributions from Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. 

Boston’s defence has tightened up dramatically in the past two outings, particularly in protecting the paint, where it currently ranks first in the league in points allowed. 

However, offensive rebounding remains a concern, and the Celtics lack a true interior force to exploit Philadelphia’s second-chance issues. Still, after a narrow loss to Philly in Week 1, Boston enters motivated and trending upward.

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia is off to one of the most intriguing starts in the NBA. Tyrese Maxey leads the entire league with 37.5 points per game, and rookie VJ Edgecombe has emerged as a legit scoring partner at 22.3 ppg. Joel Embiid has heated up as well, topping 20 points in back-to-back games while finding his rhythm after missing preseason time. 

This has all happened without Paul George, who remains day-to-day, but could make his Sixers debut tonight. Defensively, though, there are still big questions. Philly gives up high-quality perimeter looks frequently and struggles to defend without fouling. If the offence doesn’t remain red-hot, games can tighten quickly.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. 76ers?

This isn’t likely to mirror the 139-134 overtime shootout Philadelphia just played against Washington. The Celtics excel at taking away the paint, which can diminish Embiid’s impact and force the Sixers into tougher jumpers. With a rivalry rematch so soon after the opener, familiarity should benefit both defences.

We like this to stay inside one or two possessions throughout, and for Boston to steal one on the road.

Best bet: Under 231.5

CELTICS

Away

114

76ERS

Home

112

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