The Philadelphia 76ers welcome the Boston Celtics to Wells Fargo Center Sunday. Tip in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals is set for 3:30 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.
The 76ers won the opening game 119-115 without MVP C Joel Embiid, but they have dropped 2 in a row and face a 2-1 deficit at home in Game 4. Philly is 1-2 against the spread (ATS) in this series yet is 4-2-1 ATS in the postseason. It is 5-2 straight up in the playoffs, sweeping the Brooklyn Nets in the 1st round. Philly was 48-34 ATS throughout the regular season.
The Celtics are 2-1 ATS in the 1st 3 games, winning 121-87 in Game 2 as a 7.5-point and 114-102 in Game 3 as a 2-point favorite. The Celtics took down the Atlanta Hawks 4-2 in the 1st round, going 4-2 ATS as well. Boston finished the regular season 45-36-1 ATS.
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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 Saturday at 11:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | 76ers +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -2.5 (-110) | 76ers +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Celtics at 76ers key injuries
Celtics
- SG Jaylen Brown (facial fracture) available
- PF Blake Griffin (back) questionable
- PG Marcus Smart (ankle) questionable
76ers
- C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at 76ers picks and predictions
Prediction
76ers 112, Celtics 107
Moneyline
BET 76ERS (+120).
The 76ers’ 114-102 loss in Game 3 was their 1st home defeat of the postseason. Philly shot just 40% from the floor and was actually better from 3-point range than 2-point range. That efficiency, for one of the best offenses in the NBA, should improve in Game 4.
The 76ers ended the regular season 2nd in true shooting percentage (60.8%). Most other aspects of Game 3 were similar (offensive rebounding, free-throw attempts/percentage), so the 76ers, who are 31-13 at home this season, should bounce back.
The Celtics also struggled on the road in their 1st series, going 2-1 yet failing to win by double figures in either victory. Put it all together and take the 76ERS (+120).
Against the spread
PASS.
This isn’t necessarily a bad play either way, and after Game 3, the spread makes sense here. I think the Sixers, who haven’t had a game finish within 3 points this postseason, should come out on top. With that in mind, I’d prefer the plus-money moneyline odds over the spread, so I’d pass this one.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 214.5 (-110).
Both teams shot under 45% in Game 3, and they still went Over the 214 total. Boston has gone Over in 6 of its last 7 games and was 43-38-1 O/U during the regular season.
Both teams ranked top 5 in true shooting percentage during the regular season, so they should bounce back with their offensive success in Game 4. Philly was also 43-38-1 O/U. It has gone Over in 2 of its last 3 and in 3 of 7 postseason games.
With that in mind, back the OVER 214.5 (-110).
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