Celtics vs. 76ers Prediction & Odds
The second-seeded Boston Celtics head to Philadelphia to take on the #3-seed 76ers on ESPN Friday night at 7:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Can the 76ers cover the 2-point spread as home underdogs?
The series is tied 1-1.
The Boston Celtics went 57-25 on the season. They are 5-3 in the playoffs this year. The Celtics are 51-39 ATS on the year.
The Philadelphia 76ers went 54-28 in the regular season. They’re 5-1 in the playoffs this year. The 76ers are 51-35-2 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
529 Boston Celtics (-2) at 530 Philadelphia 76ers (+2); O/U 214
7:30 PM ET, Friday, May 5, 2023
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Celtics vs. 76ers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 70% of public bettors are currently backing the Celtics -2 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Boston Celtics DFS Spin
Boston shooting guard Jaylen Brown has been one of the team’s best players so far in the postseason. The 6’6” California alum is averaging 26 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.9 made three-pointers per game in eight playoff starts this year. He might be a nice DFS play on Friday.
Boston center Al Horford is fourth on the team in minutes during the postseason with 31.1 per game. He might be in for a big day against his old team on the road. In 8 playoff starts, Horford is putting up 6.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1 steal, 2.3 blocks, and 1.4 made three-pointers per game. He could be a cost-effective DFS option at center in Game 3 on Friday.
Philadelphia 76ers DFS Spin
The big story ahead of this game will be the injury status of Philadelphia center Joel Embiid. Embiid missed Game 1 of this series but was able to play in Game 2. Embiid is officially listed as questionable for Game 3 in Philly on Friday night. Embiid is dealing with a right knee sprain. The NBA MVP has disappointed so far in the playoffs as he’s only averaging 18.8 points per game (down from 33.1 ppg in the regular season) while shooting a pedestrian 45.8% from the field (down from 54.8% in the regular season).
Philly power forward Tobias Harris will likely be called upon Friday night, regardless of Embiid’s injury status. Harris is pouring in 19.2 points per game and grabbing 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting an exemplary 55.7% from the field in 6 playoff games this year.
Celtics vs. 76ers NBA Betting Trends
Boston is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 day of rest.
Boston is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games after scoring more than 100 points in their previous game.
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games against a team with a road winning percentage over .600.
Celtics vs. 76ers NBA Prediction
Philadelphia won Game 1 of this series without Joel Embiid in Boston 119-115. The Celtics came back and won Game 2 in a blowout by a score of 121-87. In that game, the Sixers had Embiid available and still got boat-raced. I think Game 1 may prove to be an aberration, as the Celtics appear to be the clearly better team in this series through two games. Boston has a few stats that strengthen its case. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games and Boston is 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 road games against a team with a home winning percentage over .600. And finally, Boston is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Philadelphia. I like the Celtics to win and cover this game on the road in Philly on Friday night.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS -2
