The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers clearly aren’t fond of each other, It’s been like that since the Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell era, andtheir recent history – both in the regular season and the NBA playoffs – promises us a tough, physical matchup.
This time, the Celtics open up as favorites to take this series after the Sixers went through several ups and downs throughout the season. Moreover, Ben Simmons’ injury was a major blow for Brett Brown’s team.
Both teams entered the NBA bubble as dark horses to win it all out of the Eastern Conference. However, the Sixers logged a 4-4 record since the restart of the season. Boston, on the other hand, went 5-3.
Celtics and Sixerswere almost locked into the 3rd and 6th seed in the bubble, respectively, so they rested their starters and limited their minutes ahead of the playoffs. Now, it’s win-or-go-home time.
Head-To-Head: Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
The Celtics hold the edge with 58 wins in the playoffs to the Sixers’ 47. Also, Brad Stevens’ team handed the Sixers a heartbreaking 4-1 victory in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals the last time they faced off in the postseason.
Match Information: Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Date: Monday, Aug. 17
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: HP Field House, Orlando
Odds:Boston Celtics -5.5, o/u 218.5 (via DraftKings)
Injuries
Boston Celtics
Romeo Langford: Wrist, Day-to-day
Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons: Knee, Out for the season
Glenn Robinson III:Oblique, Out
Zhaire Smith: Knee, Out for the season
SURVEY Who'll win Game 1?
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How Can I Watch Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 1?
Game 1:Mon, Aug 17 Philadelphia at Boston, 6:30 ET, ESPN, ESPN App, NBA League Pass