76ers vs. Celtics NBA Same Game Parlay: Back Philly’s James Harden and Joel Embiid on Opening Night (October 18)

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Odds

The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Boston to face the Celtics on opening night of the NBA season. The 76ers, who are fresh off a second round playoffs exit ,will bring a new look offense to Boston tonight to take on the reigning Eastern Conference Champions.

The big news in the offseason was the Celtics suspending head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 season. While they come back with much of the same roster, we have a good idea what to expect. On the other side, the 76ers are improved with the additions of P.J. Tucker, some key bench depth and an in-shape James Harden.

The Parlay: (+210)

• Joel Embiid Over 10.5 Rebounds (-145)
• James Harden Over 18.5 Points (-120)

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics — Same Game Parlay

Joel Embiid Over 10.5 Rebounds (-145)

Joel Embiid is among the favorites for league MVP, and every reason why should be highlighted in this matchup. He's put up monster stats night in and night out, and he's been a double-double machine. He's logged 219 career double-doubles, and in 68 regular season games last season, he logged 46 double-doubles. The juice is heavy on this wager (somewhere in the -200 range), so we will lean into his rebounding total, which is set surprisingly low.

Embiid is coming off a season where he ranked fifth in the league in total rebounding as he averaged 11.7 boards per contest. He's no stranger to having success against the Celtics on the glass, averaging 12.1 per game against them last year.

There is no doubt the Sixers have a significant advantage on the glass, and with Celtics starting center Robert Williams III sidelined, Embiid is in for a big night. Back his rebounding total to go over 10.5.

James Harden Over 18.5 Points (-120)

James Harden's improved physique and hopefully healed hamstrings will be interesting to follow all season for the 76ers. If Harden gets more separation and force in isolations, then his scoring ability should not only create more quality shots but help his teammates out as well. We saw the impact of his presence and playmaking ability mostly as a facilitator last season. In 21 games on the 76ers, he averaged 21 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds.

In this contest, expect Harden to be guarded predominantly by reigning DPOY Marcus Smart. The biggest advantage I can see with Harden in this spot is his size. Expect Harden to be more adjusted to the 76ers offense, and expect his impact on the offense end to be felt by taking the over on a low point total.