Charles Krupa / AP
Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving reacts during the first quarter of a preseason basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Boston, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018.
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 | 10:02 a.m.
The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.
Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.
Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.
Boston Celtics minus-5 vs. Philadelphia 76ers: $550 to win $500
Assuming anything close to reasonable health, Boston figures to be massively improved this season. But incorporating high-usage stars like Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back into the rotation will take some time, as we saw in the preseason, when Hayward struggled to find his place in the Celtics' system.
With that said, I still like the Celtics to cover here, mostly due to the venue. Home court means a lot in the NBA, and the 76ers didn't handle the Boston crowd very well in last year's playoff series. The opening night festivities will only turn up the intensity, and when you throw in the uncertainty surrounding yips-addled guard Markelle Fultz — who is sure to be targeted by the fans — it's hard to see Philly sticking with the Celtics tonight.
Current Standings: Grimala (9-5, $9,670), Keefer (11-11-1, $9,531), Brewer (5-9-1, $5,850)
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