Skip to main content

Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3 Prediction & Betting Odds: NBA Playoffs, 5/5

USATSI_20589154_168388689_lowres

The Boston Celtics put an absolute beatdown on the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, defeating the 76ers 121-87 and moving the series to a tie at one apiece. Game 3 is set to be played on Friday, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Below, we’ll provide our top Celtics vs. 76ers predictions for Game 3 and explain how you can qualify to earn $150 in bonus bet credits with DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking this link to create an account.

BOSTON CELTICS VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS PREDICTION: Boston Celtics -1.5 (-110) at DraftKings Sportsbook

If you’re ready to tail our top Celtics vs. 76ers prediction, click this link to create an account with DraftKings Sportsbook and qualify for their $150 new user welcome bonus.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Predictions for Game 3

The Boston Celtics enjoyed an offensive explosion in Game 2, with three starters and two bench players scoring in the double-digits. Meanwhile, no 76ers player scored 20 or more points during the game. Boston was led by Jaylen Brown, who scored 25 points and added three rebounds, four assists and two steals. They also got some help from Malcolm Brogdon off the bench, who contributed 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block in 24 minutes.

On the 76ers’ end, star center Joel Embiid only played 26 minutes, the least of any Philadelphia starter. While this is surely suboptimal for the 76ers, it may become a trend as he was rushed back from an injury. He also was slow to catch up with a play in Game 2, staying behind the team and clutching his knee in pain. He was kept out of the fourth quarter and rumors abound about the severity of Embiid’s injury. Keep an eye on Embiid’s effort level and playing time throughout the series; if he can get back to playing 30+ minutes, it will make a major difference for Philadelphia.

James Harden was, once again, Philadelphia’s biggest standout, but this time in a negative way. Despite dropping 12 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on the night, Jaylen Brown was able to lock up Harden and keep him to a paltry 2-of-14 from the field, including 0-of-6 from beyond the arc. If this continues, Philadelphia may be packing their bags early.

While it’s difficult to judge a team based on one game, Philadelphia just did not look good in this one. They had no answer for Boston’s three-point shooting as Brown went 3-of-6, Brogdon went 6-of-10, Grant Williams went 4-of-8 and Derrick White went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. More importantly, they were able to keep Philadelphia well under 100 points.

With Celtics’ bench players Brogdon and Williams (12 points, four rebounds, four assists, four steal) making starter-like contributions, it will be difficult for Philadelphia to match up with their second unit. Moreover, if Brown can continue to keep Harden inefficient and Embiid continues to be slowed by his injury, Philadelphia will have an uphill battle in this series.

For Game 3, the Celtics sit as just 1.5-point favorites (-110 on DraftKings) over the 76ers. We think that is a steal of a line considering what both teams showed in Game 2. As a result, our top Celtics vs. 76ers prediction is for Boston to win outright and cover their -1.5-point spread, cashing in on their (-110) betting odds for those who back our Celtics vs. 76ers predictions.

Game 3 Best Bets & NBA Picks for Celtics vs. 76ers Featuring Celtics -1.5 (-110)

Besides the Celtics against the spread, there are a few additional Celtics vs. 76ers predictions involving player props that we believe can provide excellent value. The first of these involves Joel Embiid’s total points prop, currently set at 25.5 (under -110) on DraftKings. We think this line is way too high considering Embiid’s performance in Game 2 and his injury concerns. With a knee injury seemingly slowing him and preventing him from finding a rhythm, it will be difficult for Embiid to score 26 points in Game 3. Over his last eight playoff games, Embiid has only scored 26 points or more one time, and he scored exactly 26. We think this line is a screaming value and it makes the cut among our top Celtics vs. 76ers predictions.

Another Celtics vs. 76ers prediction involving player props is for James Harden to go under on his total points prop, currently set at 21.5 (under -125) on DraftKings. Harden shot just 14% from the field in Game 2, largely because of an impressive defensive showing from Jaylen Brown. Brown drew mountains of praise from the coaching staff and fellow players for his effort level on defense, and was picking Harden up early in the shot clock and disrupting his rhythm. It seems Boston has found the key to keeping Harden contained after he dropped 45 in Game 1. Look for Brown and the Celtics to continue the defensive game plan they had in Game 2, which would make it a longshot for Harden to score at least 22 points. This situation makes the under on Harden’s total points prop one of our top Celtics vs. 76ers predictions for Game 3.

If you agree with our analysis and want to tail our Celtics vs. 76ers predictions for Game 3, click this link to create a DraftKings Sportsbook account. Once you sign up using a link from this article, make a deposit of at least $5 and bet $5 or more on any sports market (including our Celtics vs. 76ers predictions), you’ll earn $150 in bonus bet credits. No promo code is required for this offer – just sign up using a link from this article to qualify.

How to Tail Boston -1.5 with the DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly

DraftKings Sportsbook is making it easy for NBA bettors to earn $150 in bonus bet credits with their new user promotion. To qualify, you’ll need to satisfy the following conditions:

  • Be a first-time DraftKings Sportsbook user
  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • Be located in an area where DraftKings Sportsbook operates
  • Sign up for an account by clicking on this link
  • Make a first-time deposit of at least $5
  • Bet $5 or more on any sports market (such as our Celtics vs. 76ers predictions for Game 3)

That’s it. Once you complete each of the steps listed above, you’ll be credited with $150 in bonus bets once your qualifying wager settles. No promo code is required, but you will need to sign up for DraftKings using this link or any other link from this article to qualify.

DraftKings’ Latest Betting Odds, Spreads & Lines for Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3

Here are the latest betting odds for the Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3 matchup, brought to you by DraftKings Sportsbook:

  • Money line: Boston Celtics (-120) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (+100)
  • Point spread: Boston Celtics -1.5 (-110) vs. Philadelphia 76ers +1.5 (-110)
  • Point total: Over 214 (-110) vs. Under 214 (-110)

If these lines are attractive to you or you’d like to tail our top Celtics vs. 76ers predictions, click this link to create an account with DraftKings Sportsbook and qualify to earn $150 in bonus bets once you make a deposit of at least $5 and bet at least $5. No promo code is required.

Teams Left in the NBA Playoffs

With the NBA Playoffs currently in the conference semifinals round, there are eight total teams that remain in the running. These teams include:

If you’re planning to bet on the NBA Playoffs, use this link to create a DraftKings Sportsbook account and qualify for their $150 new user promo. Once you sign up using a link from this article, make a deposit of at least $5 and bet $5 or more on any sports market (such as our Celtics vs. 76ers predictions we made above), you’ll earn $150 in bonus bets once your qualifying wager settles. No promo code or bet outcome is required for this promotion.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.