Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers 5/5/2023 Analysis, Odds and Free Picks
East Semifinals – Game 3, Series tied 1-1
The Boston Celtics will travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers in the first game of an NBA playoff doubleheader on Friday night. The Celtics, who finished the regular season with a nine-game winning streak on the road, lead the playoffs in offensive efficiency. In their last game against the 76ers on Wednesday, Boston dominated with a 121-87 home victory, outscoring the 76ers by 19 points in the third quarter.
Jaylen Brown, a guard for the Celtics, led all scorers with 25 points and dished out four assists. Malcolm Brogdon, the Sixth Man of the Year, scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds in just 24 minutes off the bench. Marcus Smart and Derrick White added 15 points each for the Celtics, who drained 20 of their 51 three-point attempts. The Boston Celtics are shooting 40.2 percent from beyond the arc and 82.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 36.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.
- The Boston Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 matches with the 76ers.
- Boston is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against Philadelphia.
- The total went OVER in 8 of Boston’s last 9 games on the road.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers 5/5/2023 Analysis, Odds and Free Picks
The 76ers managed to win the series opener against Boston despite MVP Joel Embiid’s absence, and they won 29 of 41 home games during the regular season. However, in Game Two against Boston, the 76ers were behind 57-49 at halftime and fell behind by as many as 36 points in the second half. The 76ers had a poor shooting night, missing 24 of their 30 three-point attempts and shooting just 39% overall.
Tobias Harris, a forward for the 76ers, led the team with 16 points and seven rebounds, shooting 7-for-12 from the field. Joel Embiid returned to the lineup and scored 15 points in 27 minutes. James Harden struggled, making only two of his 14 field goal attempts and finishing with just 12 points for the 76ers. The Philadelphia 76ers are shooting 38.3 percent from beyond the arc and 87.5 percent from the free throw-line. The Philadelphia 76ers are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 contests with the Celtics.
- The Philadelphia 76ers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games at home against Boston.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA pick for this game is the Boston Celtics. Both teams are healthy for this crucial Game Three. The 76ers play at the second slowest pace in the playoffs, so the under is a good bet. The better play is on the Celtics to win on the road and regain homecourt advantage in this best-of-seven series. My prediction is that the Boston Celtics will win 110-99.
NBA Starting Time: 7:30 PM (EDT)
Location: Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
Date: Friday, May 5, 2023
TV: ESPN
NBA Odds: Boston Celtics -2
NBA Totals: 214.5
