Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Odds, Picks & Predictions - Game 3
A pair of Atlantic Division teams continue their NBA first round Eastern Conference playoff series in the City of Brotherly Love as the second-seeded Boston Celtics take on the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 action Friday night and we break down the Celtics vs. 76ers matchup here. In Game 1 of the series Sunday, Boston cruised to a 123-91 victory at home to draw first blood in the set. The Celtics easily covered the line as a 13.5-point favorite. Philadelphia took Game 2 111-97 on the road to square the series. They won outright as a 13.5-point underdog in that contest.
In the all-time playoff series between the teams, Boston has won 15 of the 22 previous series. The Celtics own a 67-51 advantage in head-to-head playoff victories. Let’s break down this 76ers vs. Celtics matchup.
Celtics Seek to Rebound From Game 2 Dud
Boston rolled to a one-sided win in Game 1 but they were flat in Game 2, which led to this series being even as they travel to Philadelphia. The Celtics now have to regroup if they hope to regain home court advantage. In Game 2, Boston led by as many as 13 in the first quarter but saw things slip away from there. The Celtics trailed by eight at the half and never got closer than two the rest of the way. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 36 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the loss.
In the postseason, the Celtics are 5th in the league in scoring offense with an average of 110 points per game. Boston is 3rd in the league in rebounding with 46.5 boards per contest. They stand tied for 1st in assists by handing out 27.5 assists per game. The Celtics are 5th in the league in scoring defense as they allow 101 points per contest. Jaylen Brown leads the team with an average of 31 points plus 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. Jayson Tatum contributes 22 points, 12.5 rebounds and eight assists a night.
Boston is 9th in the league in field goal percentage as they shoot 44.7% from the floor this season. The Celtics are tied for 1st in the league in threes per game as they hit 14.5 triples per contest. They are 12th in three-point field goal percentage by shooting 30.9% from beyond the arc. Boston is tied for 3rd in the league in free throw shooting as they convert 77.5% of their attempts at the line this season.
Key Injury Report for Celtics:
- No Key Injuries
76ers Try to Take Series Lead
Philadelphia was drubbed in the opener of this series and started out slow in Game 2 before getting in gear. The 76ers now return home here and try to take a 2-1 series advantage as they take the floor here. Philadelphia was down 13 in the first quarter but sliced the margin to three after 12 minutes. The 76ers outscored Boston 37-26 in the second quarter to lead by eight at the half. Philadelphia led the rest of the way to earn the win. VJ Edgecombe led the 76ers with 30 points plus 10 rebounds while Tyrese Maxey added 29 points and nine assists in the win.
In the playoffs, the 76ers are 12th in the league in scoring offense with 101 points per game. The 76ers are 11th in rebounding as they collect 41 rebounds per contest. They are 16th in assists by dishing out an average of 19 dimes a night. Philadelphia is 19th in the league in scoring defense as they allow an average of 116.1 points a contest. Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers with 25 points and 8.5 assists per game this postseason. VJ Edgecombe (21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds) and Paul George (18 points) are good secondary scoring options.
Philadelphia is 11th in the league in field goal percentage as they shoot 43.3% from the floor as a team. The 76ers are tied for 7th in threes per game as they drain 11.5 triples a contest. They are 6th in three-point shooting by connecting on 37.1% of their attempts from beyond the arc. Philadelphia stands 15th in the league in free throw shooting as they convert 67.6% of their attempts at the stripe.
Key Injury Report for 76ers:
- Center Joel Embiid (appendectomy) is doubtful for this contest.
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Boston was uninspiring in Game 2 of the series as they were cold from the field. The Celtics shot 39% from the floor, including a dismal 13 of 50 from three-point range, in the contest. Boston needs more from Derrick White (three of 12, eight points in 39 minutes) and Payton Pritchard (two of eight, four points in 27 minutes) in order to have success. Give Philadelphia credit for their win in Game 2 but they still don’t have their anchor in Embiid. The 76ers are at home but they are 24-18 as the hosts this year. Boston has a better road record (26-15) than Philadelphia does at home. Take the Celtics here as they get back in the win column.
Our Prediction: Celtics -7.5 (BetMGM, -105)
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