Celtics, Sixers On Track for Playoff Pairing?

The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics might very well be on a collision course for a first-round playoff matchup – which makes Saturday's encounter at TD Garden that much more important. Third-seeded Boston has won back-to-back games, while the 76ers have slipped all the way to sixth in the East but can secure a season-series sweep with a win Saturday.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Celtics have held steady as a four-point favorite despite having lost their first three meetings with Philadelphia this season. The Sportsbook total of 219 has dipped slightly at the majority of sportsbooks.

Philadelphia 76ers News & Notes

The Eastern Conference is much more competitive than just about anyone thought it would be, and Philadelphia's place in the race is proof of that. Despite having won eight of their last 12 games, the Sixers are in tough to secure home-court advantage in the postseason – and that could be a back-breaker for a team that has gone just 9-16 on the road so far this season.

That said, the return of All-Star center Joel Embiid should give Philly a much better chance at securing a top-4 seed. Embiid hasn't missed a beat after sitting out three weeks with a torn ligament in his left hand, averaging 22.5 points and 12.0 rebounds in two games since returning to action – very close to his 2019-20 averages of 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds.

Boston Celtics News & Notes

Injury Update: Kemba Walker is OUT tonight.

The week got a lot better for Jayson Tatum, who returned from injury and was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Tatum, who had missed three games with a strained right groin, had 20 points in 24 minutes to lead the Celtics past the Golden State Warriors 119-104 after learning during the pre-game warmups that he would represent the East at the All-Star Game.

Next on the list: figuring out how to make more of an offensive impact against the 76ers, who have kept him at bay through the first three meetings. Tatum is averaging just 17.7 points against the Sixers this season – well below his 21.5 ppg season mark – while shooting a dismal 32.1 percent from the field. He was held to 15 points in a 109-98 loss to Philly on Jan. 9.

Betting Pick: OVER 219

Both teams are relatively healthy and decently rested; this won't be a gimme by any stretch, but we like the chances of both sides doing enough offensively to push this one past the number.