Two teams on different trajectories but still hoping to compete for an Atlantic Division title open their respective seasons tonight, when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Boston Celtics.
Despite an almost complete overhaul of its starting lineup – shuffled as part of the devastating Jayson Tatum Achilles injury – Boston is still a 2-point home favorite in the NBA odds.
However, our 76ers vs Celtics predictions and NBA picks have Philadelphia starting its season with a win on Wednesday, October 22.
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76ers vs Celtics prediction
76ers vs Celtics best bet: 76ers moneyline (+115)
By virtue of nothing more than being the healthier team, the Philadelphia 76ers should win tonight.
It's particularly encouraging that center Joel Embiid will be healthy to start the season, after playing just 19 games in a disaster of a campaign a year ago.
We’re not sure if he’ll have running mate Paul George with him. PG13 underwent arthroscopic knee surgery this offseason, but was a full participant in the Sixers’ last practice.
Mesh those two and budding star Tyrese Maxey with an above-average supporting cast, including third overall pick VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Jared McCain (who will be back from injury soon), and plenty is going right into opening night.
It’s a different story in Beantown, where the Boston Celtics retooled and turned this year into what amounts to a bridge year, as Jayson Tatum will likely miss the entire campaign.
Hard decisions were made, including letting Al Horford walk, and dealing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. All three were key cogs in the title team just two short seasons ago.
They also might not have Jaylen Brown, who is a game-time decision with a hamstring injury.
Their only guaranteed starter from a season ago will be Derrick White, flanked by guard Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and center Neemias Queta. I don’t think Joe Mazzulla’s defense, which was second in points allowed a year ago, will keep at that level.
Queta, Luka Garza, and Amari Williams will have the task of trying to contain Embiid on opening night. It should be a massive advantage for Philly. I like the Sixers behind their big man taking care of business.
76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay
Embiid played twice against Boston last year, and actually had one of his best games of the season against the Celtics (there were few to choose from, though).
He went 8-for-15 from the field, for 27 points, adding nine boards in a 118-114 win on Christmas Day.
Boston’s defensive scheme will try to slow him down, but I don’t see the pieces there to do it, either as individuals or collectively.
I’m also wary of White’s scoring prowess, especially if Brown can’t go. He did so much damage in space, with the gravity sucked up by Tatum and Brown.
The Sixers have the potential to be a strong defense, and can focus their attention on White, one of the few players who can create for himself and others in this lineup.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
- 76ers moneyline
- Joel Embiid Over 25.5 points
- Derrick White Under 19.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Skeleton crew
With all hands on deck working the glass to help defend Embiid, it’s a good gamble to take on Chris Boucher's 6.5 rebound line.
And sorry to the rookie, but first-game jitters are worth a wager for VJ Edgecombe. He’s penciled in to get the start, coughing it up twice seems realistic if he sees significant minutes.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
- 76ers moneyline
- Joel Embiid Over 25.5 points
- Derrick White Under 19.5 points
- Chris Boucher Over 6.5 rebounds
- VJ Edgecombe Over 1.5 turnovers
76ers vs Celtics odds
- Spread: 76ers +2 (-110) | Celtics -2 (-110)
- Moneyline: 76ers +115 | Celtics -135
- Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)
76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know
Despite a 2-6 record against Boston in the last eight, Philadelphia is 4-4-0 against the spread. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Tuesday, October 22, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBCS-Philadelphia, NBCS-Boston |
76ers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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