:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69083939/usa_today_15818008.0.jpg)
The Philadelphia 76ers lost their top spot in the Eastern Conference, but they could get right back into a tie with the Brooklyn Nets if they can beat the Boston Celtics on the road Tuesday night. Philadelphia will enter with a 34-16 record, while Boston is 25-25 for the seventh best record in the East.
On the injury report, 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey will return to the floor after being cleared from the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Meanwhile, Boston center Tristan Thompson will be out due to health and safety protocols, and power forward Semi Ojeleye is set to return from a hip injury.
Sixers vs. Celtics, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Pick ATS: Celtics +2
Boston will play their fifth game of a seven-game home stand, while Philadelphia is set to get started on four straight games on the road, so we’ll give a slight edge to the Celtics in this spot. Boston won each of their last two games and have done very well against the spread recently, covering in five of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the 76ers are coming off a road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games.
Player Prop: Marcus Smart U12.5 points (-120)
Marcus Smart is shoots 5.6 3-pointers per game on average but is making just 33.7% of shots from long range. He is making 48.3% of two-point attempts, but that is where the 76ers excel. Philadelphia is allowing 50.6% of two-point shots to be made, which is the second best in the entire NBA. Smart knocked down four of seven three-point attempts in his last time out, but prior to that he made just three of 19 shots from distance in his previous four games. Take the under point total for Smart on Tuesday night.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.