The set-up: The Celtics knocked the 76ers out of the second round of the playoffs last year. Each team has a lot to play for this season and there's a very good chance that this is a preview of what will become the Eastern Conference Finals in about seven months. Each team is now 100% healthy. Philadelphia has an elite core that will no doubt dominate this year, but if the 76ers hope to "take the next step," their bench will have to step up this season. Philly has lost its opener in each of the last four years, so it'll be eager here as well to break that string of futility. The Celtics are stacked and they welcome back Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving to an already deep and dangerous line-up. I believe the home side will be out to send a statement to the rest of the Eastern Conference tonight.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Boston has seen the total go "over" the number in seven of its last nine home games as a favorite in the -4 to -7 points range. This number is low, play the "over."