Copyright MassLive
Following an early exit in the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics start fresh tonight in game one of the new season. The Celtics host C Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston. Unfortunately for Boston, there’s not much hype around the team as we enter head coach Joe Mazzulla’s fourth season. F Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most of the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles, and C Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics’ roster may experience growing pains because the starting five looks much different than a year ago. Despite the roster changes, the best Massachusetts sportsbooks offer Boston as a 2.5-point favorite against Philadelphia. However, I’m breaking down the best player prop bets for 76ers vs. Celtics, along with a player prop parlay for SF Jaylen Brown. Best 76ers vs. Celtics prop bets Derrick White under 6.5 assists: -114 at FanDuel Tyrese Maxey over 34.5 points, rebounds and assists: -110 at BetMGM NOTE: Odds are based on the best value our experts find when writing; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds. Derrick White under 6.5 assists The Celtics struck gold by acquiring PG Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs in the 2021-22 season. Since moving to Boston, White has been a two-time Defensive Player of the Year finalist with two appearances on the NBA’s second-team All-Defense. He’s one of the most complete players on the roster, as his 4.8 assists per game last year were second only to Tatum (6 assists per game). However, this season may look a lot different for White. I don’t expect his defensive tenacity to diminish, especially after he led the league with nine blocks in the preseason. Where we may see White evolve is on the other end of the court when the Celtics are on offense. Tatum’s torn Achilles could be a season-long injury, and other players must step up to replace Jayson’s 26.8 points per game. White is a prime candidate to see an uptick in scoring. White’s best scoring season came last year when he poured in 16.4 points per night. Look for that number to increase, which also means fewer assists as he establishes his new role. Tyrese Maxey over 34.5 points, rebounds and assists Poor health has been a roadblock in the 76ers’ journey to win their first NBA championship since 1983. Embiid only played in 19 games last season, and PF Paul George played in 41 games. PG Tyrese Maxey and SF Kelly Oubre Jr. are the only mainstays from last season’s starting five. Maxey is a do-it-all playmaker who averaged 35.7 points, rebounds and assists in 2024-25. He faced Boston three times and dropped 30+ points in two of those matchups. If he has that in the bag again tonight, it’ll take minimal effort in the rebounding and assist department to go over this player prop. Compiling stats against the Celtics’ stout defense is never easy, but they may need time to find their identity while Tatum watches from the sidelines Best Jaylen Brown player prop parlay tonight Jaylen Brown 24+ points and 2+ 3-pointers: +126 parlay odds at DraftKings Jaylen Brown 24+ points Speaking of the Celtics’ new identity, White isn’t the only player who needs to do more as a scorer. Brown put up 22.2 points per game in 2024-25, and his scoring average has slowly diminished since 2022-23. He’s been an All-Star in three straight seasons, so I’m not saying Brown has to take a major leap. But with Tatum potentially out for the year, Brown has a prime opportunity to take control of Boston’s offense. Brown played in 10 games without Tatum a season ago, and the former Cal Golden Bear averaged 25.1 points in those contests. In three meetings with the 76ers last season, Brown recorded 21.3 points per game. Look for that number to increase, starting with tonight’s matchup. Jaylen Brown 2+ 3-pointers Shooting from beyond the arc wasn’t always easy for Brown in 2024-25. He made 1.8 3-pointers per game (lowest since 2018-19) with a .324 3-point percentage (career low). Since I’m parlaying my Brown player prop picks, I went with a smaller alternate line for this leg. Tatum’s ability to shoot the long ball will be sorely missed. His 3.5 made 3s per game were tied with White for the most on the team last season, which leaves another area for Brown to capitalize on as he commands Boston’s offense. Brown surpassed two 3-pointers made in all three matchups vs. Philadelphia in 2024-25. He may get the chance to work against 76ers rookie SG VJ Edgecombe, and Brown will have a decisive size advantage when the two go head-to-head. Plus, Philly surrendered the second-highest opponent 3-point percentage (37.8) in the NBA a season ago.
