The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in TD Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The No. 2-seed Celtics beat the No. 7 Hawks 4-2 in the 1st round. They won 3 of the 1st 4, lost 119-117 at home in Game 5 before closing out it 128-120 in Atlanta. Boston was 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in the 6-game series and the Over was 4-2. With the postseason included, the Celtics are 26-18 ATS at home this season.
No. 3 Philadelphia swept the No. 6 Brooklyn Nets in the 1st round and were 3-0-1 ATS while the O/Uwas 1-3. Philly is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games and with the postseason included are 24-18-1 ATS on the road this season, the 5th-best road-covering record.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
76ers at Celtics odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:14 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): 76ers +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Celtics -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +10.5 (-115) | Celtics -10.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
76ers at Celtics key injuries
76ers
- Not yet submitted
Celtics
- Not yet submitted
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
76ers at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 114, 76ers 106
Moneyline
PASS.
C Joel Embiid, one of the favorites for MVP that will be anounced on Tuesday, is doubtful for this game. The moneyline had that priced in for the 76ers, and their chance to pull off the upset isn’t worthy of a play, even at (+400).
The Celtics are 34-10 at home, the 4th-best record in the NBA. But, at (-550), they are too expensive to play and not worth the risk.
Against the spread
LEAN 76ERS +10.5 (-115).
As we saw down the stretch in Game 4 against the Nets, the 76ers have the talent to not necessarily play through Embiid. G Tyrese Maxey took over that game. G James Harden and Maxey both averaged over 20 points per game. F Tobias Harris averaged 14.7 per game as well.
They have the firepower to survive without Embiid, and covered 3 of 4 against Brooklyn, Philly has been able to cover on the road for most of the season and played well in the 1st round.
Boston, on the other hand, struggled in the last few games against Atlanta. The Celtics allowed 130, 121, 119 and 120 points in the last 4 games of their 1st-round series, and the 76ers offense was the 3rd-most efficient while the Hawks ranked 7th during the regular season.
Philly should be able to find the holes like Atlanta did and have big-time playmakers to keep this game within single digits even if Embiid is out. Take the 76ERS +10.5 (-115).
Over/Under
BET OVER 213.5 (-110).
The Celtics went Over in their last 4 games against the Hawks. While they gave up points, they also scored with ease — scoring 122, 129, 117 and 128 points.
They have the firepower in F Jayson Tatum and F Jaylen Brown, who combined to averaged 57.7 points per game in the regular season. Boston has gone Over in 9 of its last 13 games.
Both teams ranked top-3 in offensive rating during the regular season as well, so efficiency will be key which should aid consistent scoring. Philly has gone Over in 4 of its last 7.
Back the OVER 213.5 (-110).
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Bulls Wire | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]