The series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics is tied 1-1 ahead of Game 3 on Friday, May 5. Tip-off from Philly is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET while airing on ESPN. The Celtics enter this game as 1.5-point favorites with the total set at 214. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the 76ers vs. Celtics predictions, odds, and picks below.
76ers vs. Celtics Odds
- Spread: Celtics -1.5
- Total: 214
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Game Info
- Date: Friday, May 5
- Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Location: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
- TV: ESPN
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76ers Betting Trends
- 76ers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
- Under is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 overall.
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Celtics Betting Trends
- Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
76ers vs. Celtics Predictions
Joel Embiid of the 76ers is listed as questionable for this game. He was out there in Game 2, although his night was cut short due to Boston’s dominance. There’s an expectation that Embiid will suit up in Game 3 and continue to play through his knee injury.
Joel Embiid is playing through his injury for his team:
“With this injury, I’m supposed to be out 4-6 weeks.”
(via @KyleNeubeck) pic.twitter.com/FqwjL6wX2o
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 4, 2023
Even though the Celtics ran away with Game 2, we can’t overlook the importance of Philadelphia’s home-court advantage on Friday. The 76ers are 26-16-1 ATS at home this season.
This is a great spot for Philadelphia to bounce back while fully unlocking Embiid for 30-35 minutes. There’s this narrative going around that Embiid cannot get the job done against the Celtics, as he is only 1-9 vs. Boston in the postseason. Make no mistake about it, he’s the MVP and best player on the floor in this series. It didn’t work out in Game 2, but his presence lifts up the 76ers and gives them a chance in this series.
Expect more energy and better defense from Philadelphia in Game 3, and James Harden should be more aggressive after a disappointing performance in Game 2.
The zig-zag theory is in full effect: taking the team that lost outright in the previous game and betting them against the spread. That’s especially true when considering Philly’s home-court advantage.
The Pick: 76ers +1.5 | -110 at PointsBet