Boston Celtics (63-30) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (61-30)
May 11, 2023 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Philadelphia 76ers +2; Over/Under: +214
(Get latest betting odds)
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet Thursday in Game 6 of the NBA East Semifinals Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
The Boston Celtics are averaging 117.7 points on 49.4 percent shooting and allowing 112.2 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 26.9 points and 10.5 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 25.3 points and 3.5 assists. Marcus Smart is the third double-digit scorer and Malcolm Brogdon is grabbing 4.1 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 38.8 percent from beyond the arc and 81.6 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 37.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.5 rebounds per game.
The Philadelphia 76ers are averaging 106 points on 45.3 percent shooting and allowing 104.2 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Joel Embiid is averaging 24.6 points and 3.1 assists, while James Harden is averaging 22.3 points and 8.3 assists. Tyrese Maxey is the third double-digit scorer and Tobias Harris is grabbing 7.7 rebounds. The Philadelphia 76ers are shooting 39.1 percent from beyond the arc and 87.2 percent from the free throw line. The Philadelphia 76ers are allowing 35.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.2 rebounds per game.
The Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. The 76ers are 27-13 ATS in their last 40 home games and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The over is 8-1 in Celtics last 9 overall. The over is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 overall. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia and 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The Boston Celtics are being given the benefit of the doubt because they were the betting favorites to win the title since the Bucks went down. However, this won’t be easy as Philly is sure to have a nasty home crowd. Embiid has taken over since rejoining the team, and Harden continues to show flashes. The Celtics looked awful in game 5, and you have to start questioning if an inexperienced coach like Joe Mazzulla is over his head. I kind of like the 76ers at home. I’ll grab the free bucket.
