Indeed, this is NOT your father’s NBA Playoffs. The old days of top seeds blowing past low seeds are over. Just look at the Milwaukee Bucks for a recent NBA betting reference. Milwaukee was the top seed for the 2023 NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference. But the Bucks were routed by the Miami Heat in a five-game first-round shocker. In the minds of most gamblers, this clears the brush for the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. But does it? Boston will face the dangerous and undervalued Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
2023 NBA Playoffs Second Round Series Eastern Conference Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, May 03, 2023, 8 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76ers | +9½ (-110) | 218 (-110) | +355 |  |
| Celtics | -9½ (-110) | 218 (-110) | -460 | |
| ||||
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers SBG Odds Overview
Of course, the Celtics are one of the biggest brands on the online wagering board. Further, Boston is the defending Eastern Conference champion. Sharps love the big price on a quality Philadelphia team.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Series Schedule
- Game 1: 76ers 119, Celtics 115.
- Game 2: Wednesday at Boston, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)
- Game 3: Friday at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 4: Sunday, May 7 at Philadelphia, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 5*: Tuesday, May 9 at Boston (TNT)
- Game 6*: Thursday, May 11 at Philadelphia (ESPN)
- Game 7*: Sunday, May 14 at Boston
*If necessary
Boston Celtics Team Overview
The Boston Celtics finished 57-25 straight up, 45-36-1 against the spread, and 43-38 over/under the total. Late on, Boston has covered eight out of their last ten games. While the Celtics have gone over the NBA betting total in six of its previous eight matchups. Concurrently, Boston was 2nd in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Boston finished one game behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Boston has NBA metrics of 4th for scoring offense, 14th for field goal percentage, 6th for 3-point field goal percentage, 4th for free throw percentage, and 7th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Celtics have NBA metrics of 5th for scoring defense, 5th for field goal percentage permitted, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 18th for defensive rebounding.
In the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Boston defeated the Atlanta Hawks 4-2 in their best-of-seven series.
First among Boston scorers is Jayson Tatum, with 27.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest per game. Also, Jaylen Brown brings 26.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Philadelphia 76ers Team Overview
The Philadelphia 76ers finished 54-28 straight up, 48-34 against the spread, and 43-38-1 over/under the total. Late on, Philadelphia has covered five out of their last six games. While the 76ers have gone over the total in one of its previous four matchups. Concurrently, Philadelphia was 3rd in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Philadelphia was four games behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Philadelphia has NBA metrics of 14th for scoring offense, 6th for field goal percentage, 1st for 3-point field goal percentage, 1st for free throw percentage, and 26th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the 76ers have NBA metrics of 3rd for scoring defense, 13th for field goal percentage permitted, 5th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 2nd for defensive rebounding.
In the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated Brooklyn Nets 4-0 in their best-of-seven series.
First among Philadelphia scorers is Tyrese Maxey, with 21.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest. Tobias Harris averages 20.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. At the same time, Joel Embiid brings 20.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the 76ers offer greater potential value as a quality power underdog.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers SBG Best Bet: Philadelphia 76ers.