Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 7 Prediction, NBA Odds
The 76ers forced a seventh and deciding game with a convincing 106-93 home win in Game 6, and will be aiming close out the series with a third straight victory in Boston. Perched as massive betting favourites after seizing what appeared to be a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Celtics offence has stalled, averaging just 95 points per game while falling to defeat in Games 5 and 6, but have emerged victorious in four of their past five Game 7 appearances.
Despite their recent struggles, the Celtics return home perched as 7.5-point favourites on the Game 7 odds. and The Celtics also return home as lofty -300 chalk to claim the outright win and the series victory. The Sixers trail as +240 underdogs on Friday’s NBA odds to complete the comeback and avoid a fifth straight series loss to Boston. The total for Friday’s matchup is pegged at 213.5.
76ers vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds
What a difference the return of an aging superstar can make. For the 76ers, getting Joel Embiid back in the lineup has made all the difference. The 32-year-old was once again a force at both ends of the court in Game 6 with 19 points and 10 rebounds including nine defensive rebound, and has wreaked havoc with the Celtics attack as the Sixers limited Boston to under 100 points in consecutive losses for the first time since January. Totals bettors taking the UNDER have also benefited. The UNDER has paid out in five of the first six games of this series, and in 13 of Boston’s past 19, as well as 13 of Philadelphia’s past 16.
Accordingly, the projected total has steadily tumbled with each passing game of this matchup. What has also tumbled is the Celtics’ position on the NBA futures. The Celtics remain favourites to win the East with diminished +190 odds, and have lost ground on the favourites on the NBA Finals odds, where they have faded to +700. Conversely, the Sixers have rebounded to +1800 on the Eastern Conference futures and to a +100 wager to win it all.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid turned in an epic performance in Boston in Game 5, racking up 33 points, four boards, and eight assists in a 113-97 win. And if the Sixers are to advance, they will likely need a repeat performance from the former NBA MVP and leading scorer. Overall, Embiid has averaged 26 points and recorded two double-doubles in his three series appearances, along with eight assists in each of the past two games. Win or lose, expect Embiid to have an impact, and he should be backed on the NBA player props as +210 bet to compile 45+ points + rebounds + assists on Saturday night.
Boston Celtics
Leaning heavily on their bench failed to produce an offensive breakthrough for the Celtics in Game 6. Six players came off the bench to record 10+ playing minutes while Derrick White was the only starter to see more than 30 minutes of action. White made a solid contribution, matching his series-high with 11 points while connecting on a team-high three three-pointers. Neemias Queta also remained a force in the paint, pulling down 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes of work. But the success or failure of this team continues to hinge on the performances of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The two stars both turned in their weakest performances of the series, with Tatum scoring just 17 points while Brown led the squad with just 17 points. Worries heightened when Tatum headed to the locker room in the second half. However, the six-time NBA All-Star still contributed 11 boards for his fourth double-double of the series and downplayed any concerns about his recent leg injury. Brown contributed just 18 points, one rebound, and two helpers, and has averaged just 20 points over the past three games after putting up 29 points per game in Games 1 through 3.
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