Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics 5/3/23 – On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers will travel to TD Garden and play the Boston Celtics for Game 2 of their series. Philadelphia currently leads 1-0; Boston may try and even things up with a victory in Game 2. NBA betting sites are updated of this match and favor the Boston Celtics to emerge victorious.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET
Location: TD Garden Boston, MA
TV: TNT
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics 5/3/23 Betting Odds
76ers
Moneyline: +395
Spread: +9.5 (-110)
Total: 216.5 over (-110)
Celtics
Moneyline: -500
Spread: -9.5 (-110)
Total: 216.5 under (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Analysis
Due to Joel Embiid‘s absence due to injury, Philadelphia entered this series’ opening game without great expectations. These expectations have since been raised after the Sixers secured home court advantage with a 119-115 win. James Harden tied his career playoff-high scoring total with 45 points in just seven and a half minutes, including a three-point field goal with less than 10 seconds left that gave Philly the edge. Tyrese Maxey scored 26 points for the Sixers while Tobias Harris added 18 in a game in which they hit 17 three-point field goals. Philadelphia improved to 5-0 in the playoffs after their game one victory, averaging an incredible 106.8 average scoring margin per game during this stretch and placing them 12th in the playoffs. They rank seventh in field goal percentage at under 47% per game and second in three-point field goal percentage with an average of over 41% per game. On Monday night against the Celtics, the Sixers shot 51% from the field and 47% from three-point range, outperforming both scores by an impressive margin. They made all 12 free throw attempts without missing one and were outrebounded by 10 without Embiid in their lineup. As Game 2 approaches, keep a close eye on Embiid’s health status. After trying to play through his grade two knee sprain in game one, it may be prudent for the Sixers to rest him another game.
Boston Celtics lost home court advantage to Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 with a 119-115 defeat. Boston suffered its second home playoff loss of this postseason and another lead-closing effort failed at home as it attempted to make up ground late in a close game. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 39 points and 11 rebounds while Jaylen Brown added 23 points for an equal contribution, with Malcolm Brogdon adding 20 points in an unsuccessful effort. Boston led 115-112, only to see its lead slip away with a 7-0 score in the final minute. After falling short in Game 1 of their series against the Lakers, the Celtics now stand 2-2 at home in the playoffs. Game 1 saw the Celtics shoot nearly 60% from the floor, yet their defense did not respond as promised. Boston is currently surrendering over 116 points per game during these playoffs, ranking just 12th overall. Boston allowed 17 three-point field goals in Game 1 and is only 11th among playoff three-point defense units, permitting opponents to shoot nearly 40% from long range after being second overall during the regular season. For the Boston Celtics to advance to the conference finals, their perimeter defense must be strengthened.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Against the Spread
Philadelphia are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games. Philadelphia are 7-0 SU in their last 7 games. Philadelphia are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against Boston. Philadelphia are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against Boston. Philadelphia are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
Boston are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston’s last 5 games. Boston are 12-5 SU in their last 17 games. Boston are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games at home. Boston are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against Philadelphia.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Free Pick
After winning Game 1, it would seem counter-productive for the Sixers to include Embiid in Game 2, thus basketball betting lines expect that Boston will take the advantage and take Game 2 comfortably. Boston will need to make adjustments in their defense to stop Harden from consistently going up against Boston center Al Horford. Boston should see guard Derrick White have a strong comeback game after experiencing his worst playoff performance so far on Monday night. Look for Boston to attack the paint with force again while making adjustments that limit Harden’s open looks.
Free Pick: Boston Celtics -9.5 (-110)
