Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3 Betting Prediction

Boston Celtics (57-25 SU, 49-39-2 ATS) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (54-28 SU, 52-35-1 ATS)

When: Friday, May 5th, 7:30 PM (ET)

Where: Wells Fargo Center, PA, Philadelphia

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: Bos -2/Phi +2 (Why are you still paying -110 odds when you could be saving a ton of money by laying -105 at BetAnySports Sportsbook?)

Total: 214.5

Money Line: Boston Celtics -132/+111

Notable Injuries

Celtics

• Danilo Gallinari (Out) Knee

76ers

• Joel Embiid (Questionable) Knee

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Boston is 57-25 overall. When taking to the road, Boston has a mark of 25-16 and a win percentage of 61%. Currently, the team is 2nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 49-39-2 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 3-2 in their past 5 games and 3-2 ATS. Over their past 10 games, they are 7-3 SU and 7-3 ATS.

In their last game, Boston defeated the 76ers (121-87) as 8-point favorites. Jaylen Brown led the team with 25 points on 52.9% shooting. The Celtics also covered the spread with the victory.

Heading into the game, Philadelphia is 54-28 overall. When playing at home, Philadelphia has a mark of 29-12 and a win percentage of 71%. Currently, the team is 3rd in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 52-35-1 vs. the spread. In Philadelphia’s last 5 games, the 76ers have a straight-up record of 4-1 while going 4-1 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 8-2 and 7-3 ATS.

Philadelphia most recently lost to the Celtics by a score of 121-87. The team high 16 points from Tobias Harris was not enough to come home with the win. The 76ers were 8-point favorites going into the game.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Celtics picked up the 121-87 win over the 76ers. The Celtics’ margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 8.0 point favorite. So far this season, the Celtics have a record of 4-2 vs the 76ers. The ATS record across the previous 5 head-to-head meetings is 4-1 in favor of the Celtics. In these matchups, Boston has averaged 110 points per game while allowing 103. The over-under record in these same games is 1-4, with the teams combining for an average of 213 points per game.

Analysis

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 1st 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 the Celtics, with an average of 30.1 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 46.6%. Jaylen Brown is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 26.6 points per game.

This season, Philadelphia is averaging just 115.2 points per game, which places 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 has struggled with their 3-point shot this season, as they are currently ranked just 3rd in 3-point shooting percentage at 38.7%. In addition, they are near the bottom of the league in attempts, at just 32.6 attempts per contest. 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%.

Heading into the game, Joel Embiid is listed as questionable on the injury report. This season, he leads the team with a per-game scoring average of 33.1. Currently, Tyrese Maxey is 2nd on the team in scoring at 20.3 points per game.

Betting Trends

• The Celtics are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
• The 76ers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
• The 76ers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

I couldn’t tell you who is going to win this game. I really like the under 214 though! Bankroll running low? Instead of getting NOTHING on your next re-deposit, consider grabbing a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 when you use bonus promo code PREDICTEM at Everygame Sportsbook! Note: After your deposit, you need to go directly to their special offers page and enter bonus code PREDICTEM.