Philadelphia 76ers (57-34 SU, 52-37-2 ATS) vs. Boston Celtics (62-31 SU, 58-33-2 ATS)
Time: Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 8:00 PM EDT
Where: TD Garden Boston, Massachusetts
TV: TNT / TSN
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds Philadelphia -105, Boston -115
Point Spread: Boston -1
Total Line: 204
The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the TD Garden in Beantown on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at 8:00 PM DT. The game will be televised on TNT for national audiences with corresponding coverage offered on TSN. The Celtics have emerged victorious in eleven of the last fourteen contests against the Sixers. The Celtics hold a 3-1 lead over the Sixers in the series at large. However, Philadelphia averted a sweep and elimination from the playoffs in Game Four when they defeated the Celtics 103-92 employing a physical style of play to overcome the rugged Boston defense.
With Cleveland completing the sweep of the Toronto Raptors, the winner of this series will represent the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference Finals. All signs point to Boston at this point, given the fact the playoff acumen of this franchise is on full display for all to take in. The Sixers certainly have a plethora of young talent to build their franchise on for years to come. However, the Celtics look like a team possessed. With a flawless home record in the playoffs, Boston will be looking to close this series out with an exclamation point as a collision with the powerhouse of the conference looms in the next stage.
There are several betting trends worth looking at in Game Five. The Celtics have gone 6-2 ATS in their last eight contests against Philadelphia. On the road, Philadelphia is 24-21 SU while the Celtics retain an impressive 33-14 home record. Furthermore, Boston is 5-0 SU when they are the home team throughout the playoffs. Over this span, they are 4-1 ATS.
Boston’s home court advantage in this game is the selling point for any taker. They have crushed Philadelphia in Beantown in the first two games of this series. There is little data available to suggest anything other than the elimination is on the horizon for the Sixers. Boston owns advantages in the defense and rebounding department which could be especially beleaguering to a young team faced with playing for their lives in a hostile environment.
With their backs against the wall, the Sixers will play this game with nothing to lose. It is literally “win or go home.” Teams in this situation can be especially dangerous given the fact they will throw every card up their sleeve out to survive. The low-hanging fruit in this market would suggest that Philadelphia could certainly make a game of this contest. Check out our NBA Pick Section for more analysis and against the point spread predictions.
From out of the gate, we have seen a lean take shape on the Celtics. A full-point line further embellishes this wagering action move upward to indicate steam on Boston. 83% of the cash and 72% of the ticket action is with the Celtics in this market. In the Over/Under, we have seen the market diminish by a point to reflect the action on the Under. However, 90% of the cash action and 83% of the ticket action is on the Over to counter the emerging line movement.
We have seen a variety of different numbers materialize with Boston on the Money Line. The best figure we have seen is Boston at a reduced vig. Given the fact, we can forget the point and just need the Celtics to win outright this could be a qualitative play with respect to the notion that Boston has Philadelphia cornered and at home, no less. The Celtics have worn down this spirited bunch with their blue-collar approach they will likely further overpower the Sixers at home to close out this series with an emphasis.
KEITHs PICK: Boston -105. 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.