The Celtics remain among the upper echelon of the NBA, but they’re not yet in their championship-winning form. Boston have a 29-12 record, good for second in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve only gone 6-4 in their last 10 matches. Up next for the defending champions is a home game against the Hawks tomorrow, with whom they have split in their season series thus far.
Besides the Hawks-Celtics contest, we will also see the Pistons, Pacers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Blazers host the Suns, Sixers, Wizards, Cavaliers, and Rockets, respectively.
As always, SBOTOP basketball fans will get their fair share of NBA 2025 highlights, despite the lean six-game slate in the Association. With another fun day of basketball ahead of us, continue reading below to learn more about the top three games on the schedule.
Atlanta Hawks @ Boston Celtics
The Hawks and the Celtics will meet for the third time this season tomorrow. These two teams last faced off in the first matchday of the NBA Cup, which Atlanta won 117-116 despite not having Trae Young.That result proved costly for Boston since that loss prevented them from directly qualifying for the knockout stage. Otherwise, they would’ve been the favourite to win the Cup (instead of the Bucks).
Boston are coming off a 121-94 win over Orlando following their shocking upset loss against Toronto. Four players scored double-digit points for the Celtics, as Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White notched 30, 23, 20, and 12 points, respectively.
Atlanta have a 21-19 record, good for seventh in the Eastern Conference. After seeing their game against the Rockets postponed due to the hazardous icy conditions, the Hawks notched big wins against the Suns and the Bulls.
Keaton Wallace was the improbable hero in the Hawks’ win against the Bulls, scoring 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals, and four three-pointers on 10-for-18 shooting from the field. However, he will likely sit this out to make way for the returning Trae Young. Young missed the Bulls game due to a rib injury, but he will likely play tomorrow.
Betting tip – Boston Celtics Asian Handicap -10.50 @ 1.88
Philadelphia Sixers @ Indiana Pacers
The Sixers suffered a new injury blow to Joel Embiid, which doesn’t bode well for their NBA 2025 odds against the Pacers. The one-time NBA MVP missed six consecutive matches due to a foot injury, and he’ll miss more because of a swollen knee he sustained during an on-court workout. Philadelphia will re-evaluate Embiid in seven to 10 days.
With Embiid out, the Sixers will heavily rely on Tyrese Maxey, especially if Paul George (groin) is also out. Maxey averages 26.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest this season. The 24-year-old guard dropped 33 points, six rebounds, and six assists in Philadelphia’s recent defeat against New York.
The Pacers have won seven of their last eight after beating the Pistons last Thursday. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam combined for 54 points in the 111-100 victory. Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, and Andrew Nembhard added 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Moreover, Indiana will be boosted by the return of Bennedict Mathurin, who is coming off a one-game suspension against Detroit. The high-flying forward is an integral part of the Pacers’ second unit, averaging 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
Betting tip – Indiana Pacers Asian Handicap -8.50 @ 2.04
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Minnesota Timberwolves
The Cavaliers have alternated wins and losses following their 12-game winning streak that started last December. Kenny Atkinson’s side is fresh from a lopsided loss against the Thunder last Thursday in a battle of the top seeds in the East and West.
Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Ty Jerome were the only double-digit scorers for Cleveland, tallying 20, 12, and 12 points, respectively. Franchise player Donovan Mitchell had an off night, recording only eight points on 3-for-15 shooting from the field in 21 minutes.
Evan Mobley also had a forgettable evening against Oklahoma City, notching only five points and three rebounds in 18 minutes. The 23-year-old forward could miss the game against Minnesota due to a sore calf. Dean Wade or Georges Niang will likely take a spot in the starting lineup if Mobley sits.
The Timberwolves have also alternated wins and losses in their last five, and they’re fresh from a big win against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Anthony Edwards flirted with a triple-double after recording 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
Betting tip – Cleveland Cavaliers Asian Handicap -7.00 @ 1.98
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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