Here come the Celtics – Boston at Philadelphia

The Boston Celtics (40-9 SU, 28-21 ATS, 21-27-1 O/U) are on a Philadelphia-sized cheesesteak roll, having won 11 consecutive games in the BetOnline Sportsbook coming into tonight’s contest with the improving Philadelphia 76ers, (23-23 SU, 22-23-1 ATS, 19-25-2 O/U).

The Celtics defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-101on Sunday, but failed to cover the spread for BetOnline NBA sports betting backers for the first time in nine games as an 11.5-point home favorite on Sunday, while the game’s combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (195.5).

All-star forward Paul Pierce scored a game-high 36 points and added eight rebounds and six assists for Boston, while veteran shooting guard Ray Allen added 22 points in the win as the Celtics played without all-star forward Kevin Garnett.

"I just try to give the game what it needs. Today, I thought it needed my scoring," Pierce said. "You go off and say ‘Hey, I’ve still got it.’ Even at 31 (years old).”

"He’s sick. He’s really bad. His fever’s really high," Celtics’ head coach Doc Rivers said of Garnett. "He’s probably not playing Tuesday. For him to be out of any game, especially today, he’s got to be pretty sick.”

The 76ers had their modest two-game winning streak snapped in its 85-83 loss to the New Jersey Nets on Saturday as they failed to cover the spread as 8-point favorites at home. The longtime Atlantic division rivals played UNDER the posted total of 201 points.

Veteran point guard Andre Miller tossed in a team-high 19 points while adding seven rebounds and seven assists, but the Sixers shot an ice-cold 34.6 percent from the field in the loss.

Philadelphia went the final 10:37 without a field goal and finished the fourth quarter a pitiful 2-for-22 from the field.

"We went through a dry spell. We just could not score," said Sixers coach Tony DiLeo.

"It’s difficult right now, but we just have to regroup, rebuild and try to get our next game on Tuesday, against a good opponent," DiLeo said. "That would really make up for this game."

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 5 games on the road

Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

Philadelphia is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games

Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games

Philadelphia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

NBA Odds

Boston Celtics -2½ -110

Philadelphia 76ers +2½ -110

Over 191½ -110

Under 191½ -110

Analysis: The Celtics are playing out of their minds at the moment, winning games with both, its offense and defense during its current 11-game winning streak. While the Philadelphia 76ers are playing much better basketball lately and are starting to incorporate power forward Elton Brand, I like the superior Celtics to win and cover the spread despite a solid effort from the Sixers.

NBA Free Picks: Celtics -2½ Points/Over 191½ Total Points