The 2022-23 NBA regular season is set to get underway on Tuesday with the first matchup involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
The Celtics are coming off a disappointing NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors followed by no shortage of offseason controversies. They will be without Robert Williams III and Danilo Gallinari to begin the season due to injuries. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to set the tone and recent upgrades to their backcourt rotation, Boston should be just fine.
It was a non-controversial offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden took less money to help bring in P.J. Tucker and De’Anthony Melton. Tucker will join an already impressive starting lineup in hopes of pulling off a successful NBA title run.
Neither side has spoken about their opening night matchup as being anything more than the typical regular season game. Regardless, getting off to a strong start on their home floor could be a great outcome for the Celtics given their offseason controversies.
How to Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Date: Tuesday, October 18
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: TD Garden in Boston, MA.
TV Channel: TNT
Injury Report for Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report: None
Boston Celtics Injury Report: Danilo Gallinari – Out (Left Knee; ACL Repair), Robert Williams III – Out (Left Knee Surgery)
Projected Starting Lineups for Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starting Lineup: G Tyrese Maxey, G James Harden, F Tobias Harris, F P.J. Tucker, C Joel Embiid
Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup: G Marcus Smart, G Derrick White, F Jaylen Brown, F Jayson Tatum, C Al Horford
Betting Odds for Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Celtics vs. 76ers spread: Celtics -3
Celtics vs. 76ers over/under: 216 points
Celtics vs. 76ers money line: Celtics -165, 76ers +140
With Williams sidelined due to injury, the Celtics will rely on Al Horford to attempt to slow down Embiid. Overall, the Celtics are less equipped to contain the 76ers’ perimeter stars without having Williams’ versatility to switch everything within the half-court.
The Sixers will need an aggressive effort from Harden in the scoring department. He was admittedly too passive after being traded midseason as he dealt with a hamstring injury. Now, it sounds as though he’s healthy, and it’s time to prove he still can be a top star on a title contender. What better chance to do so than against an inner-conference rival?
