76ers vs. Celtics Odds, Picks, Predictions for Game 2

We’re inching closer to 76ers vs. Celtics Game 2 and there are plenty of ways to bet on the action. Philadelphia stole Game 1 even with Joel Embiid sidelined. But the 2022-23 NBA MVP is reported to be healthy for Game 2 tonight.

Let’s check out our 76ers vs. Celtics betting pick with odds, lines, player props, and analysis for Game 2 on May 2, 2023.

76ers vs. Celtics Betting Pick (May 3, 2023)

This is one of the best rivalries in sports. In fact, this is the 22nd time these two franchises will meet in the postseason, which ranks first in NBA history. Boston has had the upper hand in the series historically, but Philadelphia stole Game 1 on the back of 45 points from James Harden.

With Embiid sidelined with a knee injury, Harden turned back the clock to his MVP days. The Celtics had no answer for Harden’s high pick-and-roll. Bonehead plays down the stretch cost Boston as well.

The Celtics are now facing an uphill battle. They lost home-court advantage and will have to face off against this season’s MVP. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the rest of the Celtics blew a golden opportunity in Game 1.

After winning MVP last night, during a quick 76ers celebration, Joel Embiid turned to the team and said: “I’m back.”

Embiid is indeed on track to return tonight in Game 2 vs. Celtics barring setbacks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2023

76ers vs. Celtics Odds

Here’s the line for Sixers-Celtics on DraftKings Sportsbook:

Point Spread: 76ers +7.5 (-110), Celtics -7.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +285, Celtics -345
Total: 217 points

Bets We Like With a 76ers Win

James Harden Over 21.5 Points (-110)

Even with Embiid returning to the lineup, Philadelphia will need another big game from James Harden. It’s tough to know what to expect from Embiid in his first game action since Game 3 against Brooklyn. That’s almost two full weeks off for the MVP. As a result, the Sixers might need to lean on Harden for more scoring punch. He put up 45 points on 30 shots in Game 1. Look for the Beard to go over 21.5 points in any Sixers win.

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Bets We Like Independent of Outcome

Jaylen Brown over 24.5 Points (-125)

Tatum carried the scoring load for the Celtics in Game 1 by putting up 39 points. It wasn’t enough to win the game, but it was definitely enough to make Philadelphia re-examine their defensive coverages. There’s little doubt they’ll send more attention his way in Game 2. That should free up Brown to up his scoring. He put up 23 points on 8-for-10 shooting in Game 1. As long as he gets enough shots, he should have no problem hitting 21 points against the Sixers tonight.

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P.J. Tucker Over 4.5 Rebounds (-104)

P.J. Tucker was built in a lab for playoff basketball. Offensively, he’s going to sit int he corner and wait for open threes, but scoring is not the most important part of his game. He’s a tremendous defender who does the little things to help his team win. That includes crashing the glass on both ends. With Embiid a bit hobbled with his knee injury, Philadelphia is going to need to make a concerted effort to crash the boards. That starts with the gritty Tucker.

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76ers vs. Celtics Prediction

The pendulum swings back and forth in the NBA Playoffs. When two evenly-matched teams meet, it’s not surprising to see the more desperate team fight back after going down 1-0. However, this series is a bit different. Embiid’s return will energize the Sixers, even if he doesn’t have his best statistical game. Philly steals another one on the road and takes total control of this series.

Pick: Sixers moneyline (+275)

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