76ers vs. Celtics Game 2 Pick & Analysis

Philadelphia 76ers (54-28 SU, 52-34-1 ATS) vs. Boston Celtics (57-25 SU, 48-39-2 ATS)

When: Wednesday, May 3rd, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: TD Garden, MA, Boston

TV: TNT

Point Spread: Phi +10/Bos -10 (Why lay -110 odds when you could be laying -105 at BAS?)

Total: 216.5

Money Line: Philadelphia 76ers +390/-528

Notable Injuries

76ers

• Joel Embiid (Doubtful) Knee

Celtics

• Marcus Smart (Questionable) Chest
• Danilo Gallinari (Out) Knee

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Philadelphia is 54-28 overall. When taking to the road, Philadelphia has a mark of 25-16 and a win percentage of 61%. Currently, the team is 3rd in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 52-34-1 vs. the spread. In their matchup against Boston, the Philadelphia 76ers have won 7 straight games and will look to push that mark to 8 in a row.

After their win against the Celtics, Philadelphia will be looking to continue their momentum. James Harden had a big game, scoring 45 points to help lead the team to victory. As 10-point underdogs on the spread, the 76ers were able to come away with an ATS win

Heading into the game, Boston is 57-25 overall. When playing at home, Boston has a mark of 32-9 and a win percentage of 78%. Currently, the team is 2nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 48-39-2 vs. the spread. In Boston’s last five games, the Celtics have a straight-up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 7-3 and 7-3 ATS.

Boston most recently lost to the 76ers by a score of 119-115. The team high 39 points from Jayson Tatum was not enough to come home with the win. The Celtics were 10-point favorites going into the game.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the 76ers picked up the 119-115 win over the Celtics. Heading into the game, Philadelphia was the 10.5-point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. So far this season, the Celtics have a record of 3-2 vs the 76ers. When looking at how these teams have performed against the spread in recent matchups, the Celtics hold the edge at 4-1. However, the average scoring margin in these matchups has been tight, sitting at just 2 points per game. A combined average of 220 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

This season, Philadelphia averages just 115.2 points per game, placing them 21st in the league. A major reason for these low numbers is the fact that they play at one of the slower paces in the NBA at just 97.1 possessions per game. Philadelphia’s 3-point shooting numbers are below the league average, as they have hit just 38.7% of their looks from deep. On average, the team gets up 32.6 3-point shots per game, placing them 20th in the NBA. Defensively, the 76ers have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 107.33 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 34.56%.

The 76ers may have to go into their game against the Celtics without their top scorer, Joel Embiid, who is averaging 33.1 per game. In his absence, Tyrese Maxey, who has a season average of 20.3 points, will likely see more opportunities on offense.

For the season, Boston has put together one of the top-scoring offenses in the NBA at 117.9 points per game. When looking at their style of play, the team is currently near the league average in pace, averaging 99.3 possessions per contest. The Celtics have been able to put together a strong offensive attack despite sitting just 2nd in 3-point shooting percentage. Overall, they are among the league leaders in attempts at 42.6 attempts per game. Defensively, the Celtics have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 104.48 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 33.86%.

Jayson Tatum is the top scorer for Boston, averaging 30.1 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 46.6%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Jaylen Brown, averaging 26.6 points per game.

Betting Trends

• The 76ers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
• The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last four after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.
• The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a straight-up loss.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Celtics got caught asleep at the wheel. I expect them to respond mightily tonight and cover the spread easily. Bet your NBA playoffs picks for FREE this week by scoring a 50% real cash bonus up to $250 in free bets at the bookie with the BEST live wagering platform on the web! —> Bovada Sportsbook!