Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Odds, Spread and Predictions

• The 76ers and Celtics meet on Monday, December 20th
• Both teams are dealing with their fair share of absences
• Find the odds, spread, and prediction below

Following the postponement of their game on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers will attempt to field a team on Monday as they take on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm ET.

Philly has lost three straight coming into this contest and their roster got even more depleted this weekend, with Andre Drummond and Shake Milton entering COVID-19 protocols. The C’s on the other hand, just beat the New York Knicks on Saturday behind a 27-point effort from Josh Richardson.

76ers vs Celtics Odds

Odds as of December 20th at FanDuel.

The Sixers are a 3.5-point road underdog here and have gone 13-17 ATS overall. The Celtics meanwhile, possess a 10-7 record as ATS favorites and previously beat Philly in a 88-87 thriller on December 1st.

Philly in a Rut

Injuries and COVID-19 problems have hit the 76ers hard this season, but especially in the last little bit. Three players are sidelined with the virus, while another six are dealing with injury issues.

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were questionable for Sunday’s game with minor ailments, but with the extra days’ rest, there’s optimism both guys will be able to suit up in this Eastern Conference showdown.

Doc Rivers’ squad is 15-15 on the season and just dropped three consecutive to the Grizzlies, Heat, and most recently, the Nets on Thursday. Despite Brooklyn being extremely shorthanded, Kevin Durant carried his team to a big victory over the Sixers with a 34-point performance.  Embiid also dropped 32 for Philly, while Seth Curry continued his impressive campaign with 29.

JOJO. pic.twitter.com/g3PhjX6iGS

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 17, 2021

But, outside of these two, it was a quiet night from the 76ers’ offense, who shot just 29% from downtown and were manhandled inside, getting outrebounded 48-38.

It’s undoubtedly hard for Rivers’ group to find a rhythm when so many different players are in and out of the lineup, but Philadelphia desperately needs a victory against Boston. They’re actually playing better on the road as opposed to at home as well,  going 9-8.

Their fate on Monday will simply come down to Embiid and Maxey’s involvement.

Celtics Also Banged Up

By no surprise, Boston is also facing countless health problems. Seven different players are in the league’s health and safety protocols, with Richardson just re-entering them after his big game on Saturday.

Aside from that, Dennis Schroder is questionable for Monday due to an illness, while Tatum is doubtful as well because of ankle soreness.

Nonetheless, the C’s will be feeling some momentum after a rather solid all-around showing against the Knicks. Aside from Richardson’s team-high 27, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 48 points as Ime Udoka’s team drained 38% of their triples and shot 47% from the field.

One notable category where Boston thrived was capitalizing off turnovers, translating 14 New York mistakes into 21 points on the night. After holding a lead for most of the contest though, the Celtics allowed the Knicks to claw their way back in the second half as they went on a 23-5 run and went into the fourth with an 88-86 advantage.

But, the C’s proceeded to outscore their opponents 29-18 in the final period thanks to several clutch baskets from Richardson, Tatum, and Brown.

Josh Richardson gave us the spark that we needed in the second game of a back-to-back, as we finished with a 114-107 victory over the Knicks. pic.twitter.com/BFgtkLW7ai

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 19, 2021

Although the defense was sloppy at times, it was a much-needed win for this team, who are also stuck on a 15-15 record. However, the offense is going to have a much different look to it if Tatum and Schroder are sidelined for Monday’s meeting. Thankfully, Boston plays very well at home, going 8-5 and winning three of their last four at the TD Garden.

76ers vs Celtics Prediction

With both rotations looking extremely thin, it’s a hard one to pick. If Embiid and Maxey don’t play, I have to go with the Celtics. But if they suit up, the 76ers will grind out a victory. Keep an eye out on which players will be available because it will be very important in terms of the winner.

Pick: Philadelphia 76ers +132