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Both the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers are setting the courts ablaze with impressive 5-1 records. The spotlight, however, falls on the 76ers, who have seamlessly transitioned into life without James Harden, thanks to the remarkable emergence of Tyrese Maxey.
Now, the burning question is whether they can maintain their electrifying momentum as they prepare to face their formidable rivals, the Boston Celtics, who managed to topple them in three out of four encounters last season.
Our basketball expert Agbeniga Ayobami has a 6.86-odds bet builder ready for the early hours of Friday’s clash, but if you want more expert opinions & predictions, visit our Expert Insights section.
Bet Builder odds: 3.50
Odds via Bet365 as at 8th November 2023. Odds may now differ.
The Boston Celtics are determined to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season. The loss came on a night when they struggled with their shooting, hitting just 39.1% of their shots, well below their usual standards. The Celtics are typically one of the better shooting teams in the league, boasting a 48.3% field goal percentage, which ranks them seventh in the NBA. Their offensive performance has been strong, averaging 123.5 points per game, the second-best mark in the league.
One area where the Celtics have excelled is rebounding, with an impressive 50.7 rebounds per game and a +9-rebound differential over their opponents, leading the league in this category. Defensively, they have held opponents to an average of just 109 points per game, making them the eighth-best in terms of points allowed and limiting opponents to a 44% shooting percentage overall.
Despite their first defeat, the Celtics have had dominating performances this season, including a 155-104 home win against the Pacers. They are wrapping up a three-game road trip, and in their recent games, they secured a 124-114 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
The Celtics are a strong team, and they are unlikely to take their first loss lightly. They appear more focused and determined at the beginning of this season, and while their upcoming game may be a closely contested one, the seasoned Celtics team should have the edge in securing a victory.
The Philadelphia 76ers, much like the Boston Celtics, have been impressive on the offensive end this season. They showcased their offensive prowess by exploding for a season-high 146 points in their recent victory, shooting an efficient 56% from the field. This strong performance elevated them to fourth place in the NBA with an average of 121.5 points per game, powered by their impressive 49.9% shooting efficiency. Additionally, the 76ers hold a +4.5-rebound differential over their opponents, with an average of 45 rebounds per game favouring them.
The early season has seen the 76ers seamlessly adapt to life without James Harden, with Tyrese Maxey stepping up as a key contributor. Impressively, the team has five players averaging double digits in points, indicating their balanced offensive attack.
Joel Embiid, the 29-year-old star centre, has been in exceptional form, recording four consecutive double-doubles and reaching the 30-point mark three times this season. In his most recent performance, he scored an astonishing 48 points. Embiid is currently averaging 32.5 points per game and 11 rebounds, making him a dominant force on both ends of the court. Notably, he averaged 37 points in four games against the Celtics last season, highlighting his ability to excel against this opponent.
With the offensive firepower displayed by both teams this season, the upcoming game is likely to witness a high-scoring affair, with multiple points being scored by the impressive offence on display.
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