Boston returns to action on Thursday and will look for a much improved shooting performance. In a 30 point loss to the Knicks, the Celtics shot a woeful 29.8% from the field and made just 7 of 53 three point shots! The only real positive was the return of Kemba Walker from a knee injury. But they will again miss young superstar Jayson Tatum.<\/p>\n
The 76ers last clash with the Thunder was postponed so they should be refresh for this East rivalry. They’ll likely regain Joel Embiid from injury and he should be a handful defensively for the undersized Celtics. The form of Shake Milton is also impressive off the 76ers bench and he’s coming off 28 pts in the 76ers recent 106-104 loss to the Grizzlies.<\/p>\n
The return of Embiid will give the 76ers a huge advantage on Thursday morning and with the Celtics missing Tatum, it’s hard to see them competing. Philly is also 5-2 ATS at home and 10-4 ATS as a home favourite.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The 76ers are 7-1 on their home court. Boston holds an 11-5 record at this venue.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Celtics beat the 76ers in the playoffs last season 3-1 and have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n Philadelphia 76ers -5 $1.91<\/a><\/p>\n The Suns finally returned from a long Covid break in their close 108-104 loss to the Grizzlies. Devin Booker wouldn’t be happy with his performance after shooting just 5 of 21 from the field and finished with 12 points. So look for the young star to get back on track in what should be an easier matchup against the Rockets. As we predicted, Ayton had a field day against the Grizzles with 16 total rebounds and his matchup with Christian Wood will be one to watch.<\/p>\n Houston are officially in a rebuild after the James Harden trade but they should be an entertaining team to watch in the back half of the season. Victor Oladipo made his Rockets debut with an impressive 32 point outing and Wood finished with 30 points in 31 minutes. However, they will miss John Wall again with injury.<\/p>\n Can’t see Booker having another shocker against an undermanned Rockets team and we’re predicting he’ll be the key in a large Suns victory. The Suns are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in the Harden Rockets era and also have a nice 4-1 ATS record after a loss.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Houston holds a 3-3 record at home this season. The Suns have lost their last 5 at this venue.<\/p>\n
\nPhoenix Suns (7-5) at Houston Rockets (4-8)<\/h3>\n