Posted on
1/18/2008 4:50:20 PM
NBA Free Picks – Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
By Eric Williams
I know most people under the age of 30 don’t believe that this matchup was once the greatest rivalry in all of sports, but believe it or not, it’s true.
Though each franchise has fallen on hard times for the past 20-plus years, at least the Celtics can now say that, not only are they back amongst the respectable, but actually among the elite teams in the league after acquiring veterans Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to go along with resident superstar Paul Pierce.
The Celtics, (31-6 SU, 23-13-1 ATS, 15-21-1 O/U) are just 5-5 in its last ten games with two, two-game losing streaks tossed in for good measure, but ended their most recent two-game slide by emphatically beating the red-hot Portland Trailblazers 100-90 on Tuesday as shooting guard Ray Allen returned to his all-star form by dropping 35 points on the Blazers.
The 76ers, (15-24 SU, 18-19-2 ATS, 17-22 O/U) come into this contest with just two wins in their last ten games, but one of those victories came in their last contest, a 111-107 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday that ended a seven-game losing streak.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:
Key 76ers Trends
The 76ers are 15-2-1 ATS in their last 18 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater.
The 76ers are 14-2-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a road underdog of 11.0 or greater.
The 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games playing on two days rest.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 11-1-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Friday games.
The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last seven when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 15-2 in 76ers last 17 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater.
The Under is 14-2 in 76ers last 16 games as a road underdog of 11.0 or greater.
The Over is 5-1 in Celtics last six when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Under is 5-1 in Celtics last six overall.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Boston.
The 76ers are 2-7-1 ATS in the last ten meetings.
The Underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
Analysis: I have absolutely no idea why the Celtics are only 10.5-point favorites in this game, but the Celtics should have this game in the bag by halftime. Take the Celtics to rock – and roll all over their former arch rivals.
NBA Gambling Free Picks: Celtics – 10½ Points/Over 184 Total Points
07:35 PM EST Basketball Spreads
Philadelphia 76ers +10½ -110
Boston Celtics -10½ -110
Over 184 -110
Under 184 -110
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