Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics (NBA): odds and picks 01.11.2025

A big game in the East with a playoff feel to it. The odds favour Philadelphia (1.52), and it makes sense: at home, with Embiid healthy, the Sixers tend to impose their physicality and dominance on the boards. Nick Nurse’s team plays at a controlled pace, exploits the free throw line and punishes opponents with the pick-and-roll in the centre with Maxey.

Even so, Boston (2.31) never comes in as the underdog. Mazzulla’s team has the best perimeter defence in the league and a starting five capable of adapting to whatever style the opponent throws at them. If they can contain Embiid in the post and force turnovers to run the floor, they can pull off the upset. It will be a chess match: physicality and reading the game on every possession.

Information: date, time and where to watch the game

• Competition: NBA
• Date: Saturday, 1 October 2025

Odds for the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics match

 (Reference odds; may vary until the time of the match)

Latest news on the Philadelphia 76ers

With Embiid on the court, the Sixers are a different team: they dominate the rebound, generate free throws and dictate the opposition’s defence. Maxey is in fine form, and his speed creates second chances. Where they struggle most: when the opposition speeds up and forces them to defend in transition.

Probable starting five and key players

• Point guard: Tyrese Maxey
• Shooting guard: Kelly Oubre Jr.
• Small forward: Tobias Harris
• Power forward: Nico Batum / Paul Reed
• Centre: Joel Embiid

Key points: protect the ball, punish the switch in the post and don’t overuse the outside shot without a guaranteed rebound. If Maxey maintains his scoring pace and Embiid dominates the paint, the score could break open in the third quarter.

Current situation

Philadelphia continues to look very solid at home. Their game flows when the pace slows down and the defence stands firm. Nurse has achieved balance and patience in static attack, something that is noticeable in their closings.

Latest news on the Boston Celtics

Mazzulla’s team arrives with a compact block, but somewhat more predictable in attack. Tatum and Brown remain their anchors, and the perimeter defence (Holiday-White) can make life very difficult for Maxey. The challenge will be to protect the paint and prevent Embiid from punishing them in the pick&roll.

Probable starting five and key players

• Point guard: Jrue Holiday
• Shooting guard: Derrick White
• Small forward: Jaylen Brown
• Power forward: Jayson Tatum
• Centre: Kristaps Porziņģis / Al Horford

Boston needs pace, defensive rebounding and outside shooting. If Porziņģis manages to draw Embiid out of the paint and open up the corners, the game could be even.

Current situation

The Celtics have lost some of their reliability on the road, but they are still formidable when their perimeter defence is working. The key: their stars must not rush under pressure from the crowd.

Recent matchups between the 76ers and Celtics

Historically, Boston dominates the head-to-head, although Philadelphia won the last matchup at home. The pattern is clear: when Embiid scores more than 30 points and grabs 10 rebounds, the Sixers control the game; if Boston limits his output and wins on three-pointers, the balance is evened out.

Summary of key factors in this match

• Embiid factor: if he dominates the post, Boston suffers.
• Pace: slow – Philadelphia; fast – Boston.
• Philly’s losses (≤11): vital to maintaining control.
• Home offensive rebound: second key weapon.
• Tatum/Brown three-pointers: away team’s barometer.
• Centre fouls (Porziņģis/Horford): they determine the entire defence.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics: our prediction

BeniThe conservative one

Philadelphia 76ers to win (1.52)

The Embiid factor and the Wells Fargo environment are too decisive. As long as the Cameroonian is on the court and Maxey keeps up the pace, the Sixers should control the game.

BetoThe bold one

Joel Embiid 35+ points (3.20)

Boston struggles when their opponents play physically and repeatedly in the post. If the game is decided in the middle of the court and the referees allow contact, Embiid could have another dominant night.