Philadelphia at Boston

Safter starting 29-3, the Celtics have dropped three of their last five games. Their offensive production has really dropped off during the slump as they are averaging just 86 ppg over their last five games. Their defense has remained great, holding opponents to 87.0 per game during the run. On the season at home they keep opponents to just 84.5 per game and 40.3 in the first half. They also have held all eight division foes to an average of 40.6 per game in the first half. So, despite the apparrent inconsistency, the Celtics have maintained top-notch defense consistently throughout the season, in all situations. Expect Philly to have a rough go of it early here. The Celtics will revert to what is working - defense. It's what they do (what most teams do) when the going gets tough. They are 8-1 UNDER in the first half this season after failing to cover the spread in two of their last three games.