76ers vs. Celtics Prediction
The Boston Celtics struck first with a Game 1 victory as home underdogs versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Is the result going to be the same again tonight as Boston is once again a home dog in Game 2?
Game Snapshot
509 Philadelphia 76ers at 510 Boston Celtics
Thursday, May 3, 2018
TD Garden at 8:30PM ET
TV: TNT
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Sixers are a 4-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 206 points. As of Thursday morning, 55 percent of public bets are siding with visiting Philadelphia. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Rozier shining in spotlight
Celtics point guard Terry Rozier has been a tour de force lately in the playoffs as he is doing his best Kyrie Irving impression. One game after tallying 26 points along with nine assists and six rebounds in the Game 7 112-96 win over the Bucks, Rozier was arguably even better in Game 1 versus Philly. Rozier poured in 29 points on 11-of-18 shooting inluding 7-of-9 from 3-point range while adding eight rebounds and six assists. Rozier received plenty of help as Jayson Tatum scored 28 points, while Al Horford chipped in with 26. Boston is hoping to have shooting guard Jaylen Brown (hamstring) back in the lineup tonight.
Embiid compiles huge game in loss
Philadelphia cener Joel Embiid began the series in positive fashion with 31 points, 13 boards and five assists. He shot 12-of-21 from the floor and made a pair of 3-pointers. The biggest culprit for the 76ers is that they shot very poorly from 3-point range, going a collective 5-of-26 and that includes 2-of-5 from Embiid. Meanwhile, Boston connected on 17-of-35 on 3-point attempts. JJ Redick contributed 20 points, while Ben Simmons added 18 points along with seven rebounds and six assists.
NBA Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The Sixers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up loss. Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
Boston
The over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings overall and 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Boston. The Celtics are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games versus a team with a winning road record.
Prediction:
Boston is tough at home with a 32-14 straight up record and are extremely well-coached. Philadelphia is only 24-20 straight up on the road. With the way the Game 1 result went, I’m going to roll the dice that the Celtics take care of business once again as the underdog.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS +4