The Boston Celtics got off to a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Philadelphia 76ers after a decisive 117-101 win in Game 1 on Monday. Can the undermanned Celtics do it again in Game 2? Or will the Sixers even it up before heading back home for Game 3?
Register here to make your pick.
Betting Preview for Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Conference Round 2 Game 2 on May 3, 2018
Where: TD Garden
When: Thursday, May 3, 6:00pm EST
Line: Philadelphia 76ers (point spread) vs Boston Celtics (point spread) – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the Philadelphia 76ers (-3.5)
Whether it was because of rust from a long layoff or the effect of the boisterous crowd inside the TD Garden in Boston, the Sixers were a little flat in Game 1. They shot just 42.2 percent from the field and were not able to stop a Boston unit that did not have any stars on its active lineup Monday. That said, Joel Embiid was ready for the challenge. The big man had 31 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists . He is going to be big factor for the Sixers in every game in these playoffs, and against the Celtics, he should continue to flourish inside as there’s no Boston defender who has the same blend of size and strength as his. Ben Simmons, meanwhile, has to take better care of the leather. While he scored 18 points to go with seven rebounds, and six assists, he had seven turnovers to waste plenty of Sixers possessions.
The Sixers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Betting on the Boston Celtics (+3.5)
The Celtics keep on finding ways to win. Although they were missing Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown in Game 1, the gritty Celtics took down a Sixers team, thanks to the huge combined effort of the trio of Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford, who combined for 83 points. Rozier was out of his mind again, as he scored 29 points with seven 3-pointers. Tatum had 28 markers, while Horford chipped in 26 points. Rozier has been the hottest Celtics player of late, as he has averaged 19.0 points in these playoffs thus far. Boston’s outside shooting clicked in Game 1, and the Celtics look to carry that over into the next game. Boston went 17-for-35 from deep on Monday and were also 18-for-19 from the foul line. Brown, who sat out Game 1 with a hamstring injury, is currently day-to-day.
Boston, which was a home underdog in Game 1, is 9-1 SU and ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Boston wins, 103-100.
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