Celtics vs. 76ers prediction, best bets, props: Jaylen Brown gets revenge against former team
The stage couldn’t be better set.An NBA playoff rematch from a season ago featuring the conference’s two best teams, and an underlying war of words between former teammates turned rivals, will collide Tuesday in Philadelphia when the Celtics and 76ers take the court.One thing’s for sure: an intense atmosphere will be on the docket. Oddsmakers have Boston favored by 1.5, while the moneyline opened as a pick ‘em and remains that way, with both squads’ odds ranging from -109 to -120 across multiple sportsbooks. The Celtics enter Tuesday on a three-game winning streak, boasting one of the league’s top-rated offenses, built on spacing and high 3-point volume. After a rough opening-day loss to the Pistons, the Jayson Tatum-Paul George tandem has been near-perfect, combining for 47.5 points and 5.7 made 3s per game.Joe Mazzulla’s team is often criticized for living and dying by the 3-point shot, but when they fall, the C’s are at their best. On the other end, the 76ers have won six of seven games, with every starter averaging north of double figures and behind a revamped defense that ranks in the top 10 in points allowed.They defend the perimeter very well, limiting opponents to just 31.6 percent from beyond the arc through 11 games, which could be problematic for the Celtics’ game plan. LeBron James has taken a back seat offensively to Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, as he and Embiid have served more as post playmakers, with James leading the 76ers in assists (6.7). The Celtics’ defense, which allows opponents to shoot just 42.3 percent from the floor, is expected to swarm and disrupt Philly’s half-court sets.However, Boston tends to falter on the road, having already lost twice to the Pistons and Rockets this season. In a game where the margin for error will be razor-thin, Brown has regained his shooting touch to start November, averaging 26 points on 53.3 percent shooting and grabbing 7.5 rebounds across four games. Look for ...