Boston Celtics (62-30 SU, 58-32-2 ATS) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (56-34 SU, 51-37-2 ATS)
Time: Monday, May 7th, 2018 6:00 PM EDT
Where: Wells Fargo Arena Philadelphia, PA
TV: TNT / TSN
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds Boston +220, Philadelphia -270
Point Spread: Philadelphia -6.5 (Best line at Intertops)
Total Line: 204.5
The Boston Celtics will travel to the Philadelphia 76ers for Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals when the 76ers host the Celtics at the Wells Fargo Arena in the City of Brotherly Love on Monday, May 7th, 2018 at 6:00 PM EDT. The affair will be televised on TNT for national audiences with corresponding coverage offered on TSN.
The Celtics have emerged victorious in eleven of the last thirteen contests against the Sixers. That trend continued once again over the weekend when the Celtics defeated the Sixers 101-98 in overtime despite closing as a nine-point pooch in Philly. With Boston securing the 3-0 lead, the Sixers are now looking a sweep right in the face if they cannot get their act together in Game Four.
Despite the feel-good story of the Sixers rising out of the doldrums, this series was a reminder as to who the dominant force is in the Atlantic Division. With Toronto also looking at a potential sweep against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their respective playoff series, the nation has been put on notice that the Cavaliers and Celtics remain the two teams that stand above the rest in the East. Philadelphia was a choice by many to upset the Celtics in this series and potentially be a dark horse for the NBA Finals. Needless to say, Boston has shown how good they truly are while missing their two best players on the floor due to injuries.
There are several betting trends worth looking at here. The Celtics have gone 6-1 ATS in their previous seven matches against Philadelphia. At home, Philadelphia is 32-12 SU while the Celtics retain an impressive 28-16 road record. The Over has gone 8-4 ATS in the last twelve fixtures between these two Atlantic Division rivals.
The Celtics offer a lot of appeal by virtue of the fact, they are working with serious momentum in this series. Very simply, the Celtics know how to beat this team whether it be on the road or their home court. Boston had failed to win one road game in their first-round encounter with Milwaukee. In this series, the Celtics may have very well likely demoralized the young and robust 76ers.
Averting a sweep will serve as enough motivation for the 76ers in this contest. From a qualitative perspective, Boston has shown that they are a superior side. Nevertheless, Philadelphia will not like to undergo the embarrassment of being swept at home. With their supporters behind them, the Sixers offer value here to many albeit they will play this game with their back against the wall. See what other handicappers are saying in the NBA Handicapping Forum.
From out of the gate, we have seen a lean take shape on the Celtics. On the contrary, we have seen a half-point line move upward to indicate steam on Philadelphia. Nevertheless, 69% of the cash and 70% of the ticket action is with the Celtics in this market. In the Over/Under, we have seen the market remain idle. However, 94% of the cash action and 90% of the ticket action is on the Over to indicate the development of a consensus trend.
Despite every indication to go in an opposite direction, the market remains reluctant to buy into Philadelphia losing Game Four. The Celtics have been a cash cow against the Sixers as of late, and as a result, the market is bound to correct itself. Situationally, this scenario sets up perfectly for that. The Celtics will be a trendy selection here by their outright win as a near double-digit underdog. This sets up the possibility for an overreaction on the underdog, which allows us to step in on a potential short-sold favorite. Swallow the points.
KEITHs PICK: Philadelphia -6.5. Are you looking to get your feet wet betting on games online? Fast payouts, great in-game wagering and a 50% deposit bonus for new clients! Check them out >>> Bovada.