Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers (NBA): odds and picks 23.10.2025

A big game in the East and, frankly, one of those that serve to measure hierarchy. As of today, Boston is a step above in terms of reliability, structure and confidence. The Celtics play like clockwork: Jrue and White set the tone at the back, Tatum and Brown are pure control, and Porziņģis has slotted in perfectly on offence. At home, with the Garden roaring, it’s hard to imagine them losing if they maintain their level of collective defence.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, lives more on bursts. When Maxey fires up the engine and Embiid commands respect, they are a problem. But the reality is that away from home they look more mentally fragile, especially when the game gets dirty. If Embiid doesn’t dominate the rebound, the Sixers are left without second chances and rely too much on outside shooting. I see them as a step below in consistency and reading the game. Boston, with their roster and experience, should impose their rhythm and close out the game.

Information: date, time and where to watch the game

• Competition: NBA
• Date: Thursday, 23 October

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

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

Latest news on the Boston Celtics

Boston is showing the maturity that was expected of them. They no longer rely on three-pointers or individual streaks: they defend as a unit, choose well when to run and when to stop, and Tatum has calmly assumed the role of leader. What convinces me most is their mental strength: even when they miss open shots, they remain solid at the back.

Probable starting five and key players

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

Holiday provides elite leadership and defence, Brown brings energy and scoring, Tatum makes a difference from anywhere on the court, and Porziņģis stretches the floor to create spaces that didn’t exist before. Horford, as always, is the quiet glue that every coach wants to have.

Personal opinion

If Boston comes out focused, there are few teams capable of competing with them for 48 minutes. Their rotation is deep, their chemistry is on point, and their defence-offence balance is the best in the league right now.

Latest on the Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia relies too much on what Embiid and Maxey do. If both perform, they can beat anyone; if one falters, the team stalls. Embiid is still a force of nature, but he doesn’t look 100% physically. Maxey, on the other hand, is spectacular, fast, brave, although sometimes his eagerness to solve problems gets the better of him.

Probable starting five and key players

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

The problem with the Sixers is that, beyond their stars, there is little consistency. Harris contributes but without continuity, and Oubre is a double-edged sword: he can score 20 points or disappear. If they don’t control the defensive rebound, Boston will punish them over and over again.

Personal opinion

I see the Sixers as capable of competing for two quarters, but not of maintaining 48 minutes of discipline against this Boston team. If Embiid doesn’t have a dominant night and the three-pointer doesn’t save them, it will be a long game.

Recent matchups between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers

Boston has them figured out. In recent clashes, the key has been defence on Embiid and Tatum’s reading of the game in the final minutes. When the Celtics move the ball and attack the paint, they end up winning comfortably. Philly has only won when it has dominated the rebound and hit close to 40% on three-pointers, something it rarely repeats on the road.

Summary of the key factors in this game

• Pace: Boston will want half court; Philly needs to run.
• Rebounding: Porziņģis/Horford vs Embiid/Reed.
• Tatum: his consistency in the clutch will be decisive.
• Turnovers: 11-12 threshold, vital to avoid transitions.
• Perimeter defence: Holiday and White, differential players.
• Mental energy: the difference between a mature team and one in transition.

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers: our prediction

Final expert opinion:
 Right now, Boston is the most reliable team in the East. They defend, move the ball and win even when they’re not having their best night. Philadelphia is a dangerous opponent, but too dependent on two men. If Embiid doesn’t dominate the rebound and Maxey doesn’t play close to perfection, the Celtics will win on experience. On my board: Boston 110 – Philadelphia 101.