Shorthanded Boston needed seven games to dispatch of Milwaukee in the opening round. Leading scorer Kyrie Irving is out for the Celtics. Thus, despite being the two seed in the East, Boston is an NBA betting online underdog. But there is one advantage that they still have. Home court has provided salvation in prolonging their season. Whether that is enough to overcome Philadelphia is another matter. Improving by the day the 76ers have emerged as a true contender. Upside for them appears to be limitless. Opportunity now beckons for Philly. Can they take full advantage?
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 1
Date and Time: Monday, April 30, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76ers | -3½ (-110) | 205½(-110) |  |
| Celtics | +3½ (-110) | 205½ (-110) | |
| |||
76ers vs. Celtics TV Coverage: TNT
Philadelphia
Philadelphia won and covered four of their five games against Miami in the opening round. Scoring depth was a major factor in the 76ers clinching against the Heat. Five players averaged 17 points per game or better in the first round. Center Joel Embiid and guard Ben Simmons impressed. Embiid led with 19 points and 10 rebounds per game. Simmons added 18 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists per outing. Guard JJ Redick was another NBA betting online asset. Redick averaged 20 points per tilt. Marco Belinelli and Dario Saric completed the team with 17 points per contest.
Boston
Boston won four and covered five of their first-round games against Milwaukee. Over the total paid in five of those games. The Celtics have had to try and survive by committee without Kyrie Irving. Veteran forward Al Horford averaged 18 points and nine rebounds in the first round. Guards Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier added 18 points per game each. Defense has been Boston’s sportsbook asset all year. So far in post season they rank sixth in the NBA for points allowed. They ranked third in the regular season. If the Celts survive the Sixers, defense will be why.
Important Names on Court
Despite the loss of Irving the Celtics are not without weapons. Head coach Brad Stevens is among the best in the NBA. His emphasis on defense could serve Boston well in this series. Despite a patchwork lineup he is keeping Boston alive.
Team vs Team
Philadelphia has covered five of their last eight with Boston. Under the total has paid in three of their last four meetings. TD Garden has seen the Sixers cover four of their last five visits. Three of the last five in this series at Boston went under the total. Games one and two of this series will be at TD Garden. Next will be two games at Philadelphia. If necessary game five is at Boston. Game Six would be at Philadelphia. If game seven is needed the Celtics will host.
Matchup to Watch
Philadelphia has a big NBA betting online advantage here. But Boston is a live quality dog. In fact, the Celtics have covered eight straight games when getting points at home. So, despite their limited lineup Boston is a dangerous team to oppose. Especially in this setting.
76ers vs. Celtics NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Boston is the power home dog selection.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Boston Celtics
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Celtics 98, 76ers 92