The Boston Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers Friday at Wells Fargo Center for Game 3 of their 2nd-round Eastern Conference playoff matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. 76ers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
MVP C Joel Embiid returned Wednesday, trying to help Philadelphia leave Boston with a 2-0 lead. That did not happen. Boston won all 4 quarters in Game 2 and Embiid had a -23 in the 27 minutes he was on the floor and scored just 15 points.
The final score was 121-87 as the Celtics hit 20 of 51 from behind the arc (the 76ers hit only 6 of 30). Boston was led by Jaylen Brown, who had 25 points, and Malcolm Brogdon with 23.
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Celtics at 76ers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:02 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | 76ers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -1.5 (-115) | 76ers +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Celtics at 76ers key injuries
Celtics
- F Danilo Gallinari (knee) out
76ers
- C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at 76ers picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 112, 76ers 107
Moneyline
The Celtics are not only favorites to make the finals they are -150. There is a reason for that. They are 2nd in the NBA in effective FG percentage (56.9%), and rank top 5 in several other categories. One stat that stands out is the 76ers’ struggle against shots inside the arc. Their defense is 17th and they let Boston shoot 46.7% on Wednesday.
The Celtics (-135) are the play but PASS on the moneyline and play them on the small spread instead as the better value.
Against the spread
Yes this game could come down to the final possession but I like the extra juice you can grab picking Boston against the spread.
On top of that Philadelphia failed to cover in their last 5 home games against teams with a road winning percentage higher than .600. And Boston is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games when playing a team with a winning record at home.
BET CELTICS -1.5 (-115).
Over/Under
Playoff basketball is bringing the O/U lines down quite a bit. That being said these teams like to shoot the 3. Boston during the season was 2nd in 3 pointers shot and made.
They shot 51 last game and if that’s the normal expect the Over to hit.
LEAN OVER 213.5 (-115).
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