Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia-76ers Picks and Predictions October 22nd 2025

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Betting Preview

The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at TD Garden. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on NBCS as both teams open their NBA seasons aiming to make early statements in the Atlantic Division.

Philadelphia might be without Paul George, who’s recovering from knee surgery. Joel Embiid returns after his own injury and looked sharp in limited preseason minutes. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe impressed during camp and could play a key rotation role.

Boston enters a transition season with Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are gone, while Jaylen Brown is questionable with hamstring tightness. The Celtics will rely heavily on Derrick White and emerging center Neemias Queta.

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Line Movement and Odds

The current line lists the Celtics at -2.5 (-109) with a total of 228.5. Philadelphia opened around +2.5 (-111) before slight sharp action tilted toward Boston. The moneyline sits at Boston -135 and Philadelphia +114. Public tickets lean toward the 76ers, but sharper money favors Boston to hold serve at home.

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Matchup Breakdown

The 76ers’ success depends on Embiid’s health and Tyrese Maxey’s ability to lead the offense early in the season. Philadelphia closed the preseason strong, posting a 126-110 win over Minnesota where Maxey and Edgecombe combined for 53 points. Edgecombe’s defensive energy gives Nick Nurse lineup flexibility.

Boston, meanwhile, edged Toronto 110-108 behind Derrick White’s 33-point effort. Queta dominated the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking four shots. The Celtics’ defensive identity remains strong despite roster turnover, and their spacing should open up the perimeter for White and Brown.

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Injuries and Conditions

Philadelphia 76ers:

• Paul George (knee) – questionable
• Joel Embiid (knee) – probable
• De’Anthony Melton (ankle) – day-to-day

Boston Celtics:

• Jayson Tatum (Achilles) – out
• Jaylen Brown (hamstring) – questionable
• Kristaps Porzingis (traded) – inactive

Check the latest team updates on the 76ers injury report and the Celtics injury report

No weather factor since the game is indoors.

Best Bets and Prediction

Boston’s home-court edge and rotation depth should carry weight early in the season. The Celtics are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 season openers, while Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its past five against Boston.

Best Bet: Celtics -2.5
Lean: Under 228.5
Projected Score: Celtics 114, 76ers 109

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