Despite all of the hype behind the Philadelphia 76ers entering their second-round series with the Boston Celtics, it was the Celtics who delivered in Game 1 in a convincing 117-101 victory at TD Garden. Game 2 goes Thursday in Boston, where Philadelphia has long struggled to get the job done. The 76ers are 2-15 SU in their last 17 trips to Massachusetts.
Sportsbook opened the C’s as 4-point home underdogs with a total of 206.5.
Terry Rozier continued his lights-out postseason while filling in for the injured Kyrie Irving as the starting point guard, as the 24-year-old knocked down seven three-pointers to finish with 29 points in the series opener. Jayson Tatum (28 points) and Al Horford (26 points on 10-of-12 shooting) helped Boston score 30 or more in each of the final three quarters. Starting shooting guard Jaylen Brown, who didn’t play in Game 1, is listed as doubtful for Game 2 due to a nagging hamstring injury.
The Sixers were an abysmal 5-for-26 from three-point range, with Joel Embiid (31 points, 13 rebounds) being the main standout player for Philadelphia. Rookie of the Year favorite Ben Simmons had 18 points, seven boards and six assists but also committed seven turnovers in the setback. Forwards Robert Covington (three points on 0-of-6 shooting) and Ersan Ilyasova (six points on 2-of-9 shooting) will need to step up going forward.
After Game 1 went OVER by 13 points, Philly remained rock-solid as an OVER bet on the road. The OVER has cashed in four of the 76ers’ past five away from home.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Boston Celtics opened as 3.5-point underdogs at online sportsbook Sportsbook, while the NBA total line was sitting around 207 at Sportsbook for those who prefer OVER/UNDER betting on the total amount of points scored.
OddsShark score prediction models pick a 111-99 result in favor of the 76ers today. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Philadelphia 76ers will try to spoil the party on Thursday; they are 51-35-2 against the betting spread this NBA season, while the Boston Celtics are 56-32-2 ATS. Philadelphia is 44-43-1 vs the betting total points scored; Boston is 48-41-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Boston vs Philadelphia injuries news.
According to the betting Power Rankings at OddsShark, it's the No. 11-rated Celtics and the No. 1-rated 76ers in this NBA basketball matchup.
Statistical Matchup
In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Boston's No. 9-rated NBA squad against Philadelphia's No. 1-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Boston rates No. 7 in the league with 11.41 treys per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 12 with 10.94 per outing.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The 76ers got a terrific 31-point performance from Joel Embiid but Boston handed them a 117-101 defeat on Monday at TD Garden.
Next Betting Matchups
Philadelphia home to Boston, Saturday, May 5