The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet Friday in NBA Game 3 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Here’s a 76ers vs. Celtics Prediction. This article will include a 76ers vs. Celtics Pick.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics haven’t lost back-to-back games since March 12. The Celtics hope to take a 2-1 series lead. The Celtics have won 32 of their last 44 games.
The Boston Celtics are averaging 110 points on 44.7 percent shooting and allowing 101 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Jaylen Brown is averaging 31 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum is averaging 22 points and 12.5 rebounds. Neemias Queta is the third double-digit scorer, and Derrick White is grabbing 2.5 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 30.9 percent from beyond the arc and 77.5 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 37.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46.5 rebounds per game.
Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers have lost two home games since March 4. The 76ers have won 8 of their last 13 games.
The Philadelphia 76ers are averaging 101 points on 43.3 percent shooting and allowing 110 points on 44.7 percent shooting. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 25 points and 8.5 assists, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Paul George is the third double-digit scorer, and Kelly Oubre Jr. is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Philadelphia 76ers are shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and 67.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Philadelphia 76ers are allowing 30.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41 rebounds per game.
Why the Philadelphia 76ers will win
- The underdogs have won four of the 76ers’ last five playoff games.
- The Celtics have lost each of their last six Eastern Conference First Round road games against Atlantic Division opponents following a loss.
- The home team has covered the spread in six of the 76ers’ last seven games.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games at Xfinity Mobile Arena following a loss.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last nine games after losing as favorites.
- The 76ers have lost each of their last seven home games against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last 15 games as road favorites after losing as favorites.
- The 76ers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the 76ers’ last nine games as underdogs has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Celtics’ last five games as favorites against the 76ers have gone UNDER the total points line.
Philadelphia 76ers Player Facts
- Tyrese Maxey ranks 1st in the league for fast break points (382) this season.
- Andre Drummond has recorded 11+ rebounds in three consecutive appearances—the equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- The Celtics are allowing just 101.9 points per 48 minutes while Neemias Queta is on the floor this season—the lowest mark of any qualified player in the league.
- Jaylen Brown ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for points per game (28.7) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The 76ers rank 29th in the league for assists per game this season (24.6).
- The 76ers rank 29th in the league for Q3 points per game this season (27.3).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (107.2).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent steals per game this season (6.2).
76ers vs Celtics Injury Report
The Celtics don’t have any players listed on their injury report.
Joel Embiid is doubtful for the 76ers with an abdominal injury.
76ers vs Celtics Prediction
I really want to take the points with the 76ers, as this is a lot of points to give a home team that has hope. The 76ers stole home court and it looks like Embiid is close to returning. All of a sudden this series got interesting.
However, since November 19, the 76ers are 2-10 ATS and SU as a home underdog. The Celtics are 11-6 ATS in their last 17 games when favorites of 5 or more points. I’ve said it before: the Celtics usually win big when they’re expected to. When the Celtics make threes, they win comfortably. When they don’t, they lose. I’ll lay the points with the Celtics, but I don’t love the number.