NBA playoff preview and tips: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics - Game Two
- George Dempsey
- 3 May 2023
Boston Celtics will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat as they face the Philadelphia 76ers in game two at TD Garden.
Game one between the 76ers and the Celtics certainly didn't disappoint. The 76ers trailed by double digits at various points but found ways to claw themselves back.
Standout Trends
Celtics are 5-0ATS in their last 5 games following a loss.
Celtics are 33-16-2ATS in their last 51 games against a team winning 60% of games.
Under is 8-3 in Philadelphia's last 11 Eastern Conference Semifinal games.
Under is 13-4 in Boston's last 17 Eastern Conference Semifinal games.
Suggested Bets
76ers at Celtics - Game Two verdict
The game answered some questions about how Philly would perform without their star man, Joel Embiid, but the result was as much Boston's own doing.
The 76ers ran out 119-115 winners thanks to a memorable performance from James Harden. The Beard scored 45 points and took over in the fourth quarter.
Boston led with 30 seconds on the clock, but James Harden made a killer trademark step back from the top of the key to give the 76ers a huge win on the road.
When players doubled up on Harden and got close, he found spaces behind them. In single coverage, it felt like he made every shot. And he had no right to make some of them. He produced one of his best-ever playoff performances.
Despite the Celtics shooting 58% and the 76ers a little over 50%, the visitors threw up 14 more shots. Philly, the best three-point shooters in the league, also won that particular battle against Boston's top six defence.
Embiid remains a question mark for game two having yet to run or take part in full practice. His inclusion would be a bonus, but it would also slow the 76ers down.
From Boston's point of view, they shot the lights out but they never slowed Philadelphia's momentum at the other end. The defensive intensity just wasn't there and that has to improve.
So much went right for Philadelphia, whilst there's a lot Boston can improve on. Despite that, the Celtics could and should have won the game. We'll stick with our game-one bet in anticipation of better defence and some regression from Harden.
We'll also take a chance on this game going under the total, as both sides have been trending that way. Things were perfect on offence and that can't happen again, so the three-point jump from 215 to 218 is worth opposing.
