76ers vs. Celtics Best Bets, Picks & Odds for Game 1: NBA Playoffs, 5/1

The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden tonight. These two teams have met over the past few years, so they’re familiar with each other’s game plan.

The big news heading into the series has been around the health of the 76ers Joel Embiid. While he is officially doubtful for Game 1, it remains to be seen how much he’ll play in this series.

Our experts analyzed the series already, but we’ve identified one pick from our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets for tonight. Let’s dive into the analysis with odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.

76ERS VS. CELTICS BEST BET FOR GAME 1: Over 214.5 (-112) at FanDuel Sportsbook

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Joel Embiid Injury Status Heading Into Game 1

Before reviewing the favorite pick from our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets, it’s important to cover the injury status of Philly’s Joel Embiid. The center is currently doubtful for tonight’s game, but he is “improving daily” according to 76ers head coach Doc Rivers.

Embiid is dealing with a sprained LCL, and we don’t anticipate him being ready to play tonight. Losing Embiid would be a big blow to the 76ers’ chances of advancing, and we think the Celtics can take advantage of the paint if he doesn’t play.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 Predictions

A theme in Boston’s first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks was how poorly their defense played. While the Celtics carried the second-best defensive mark in the regular season, Atlanta was able to score 119 or more in Games 3-6. Philadelphia likely learned from the Hawks’ success in those games, and we predict a high-scoring affair as part of our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets.

If Embiid cannot play, Philadelphia must push the ball early and often, as we anticipate they will go with a smaller lineup. The Hawks had success with a high-tempo offense against the Celtics, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Doc Rivers tries to replicate that gameplan. However, if Philly decides to push the ball, we wouldn’t be surprised if Boston joins the track meet.

The Celtics lost two games to the Hawks, but they still averaged 121.2 points per game in the series. Boston only put up 110.8 against Philly in four regular season games, but we think they’ll have no problem scoring 115 or more tonight. Without Embiid, the 76ers don’t have a true rim protector, so Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown should be able to get to the rim at ease.

Game 1 Best Bets & NBA Picks for 76ers vs. Celtics Featuring Over 214.5 (-112 at FanDuel)

The favorite prediction from our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets is for the game to finish with Over 214.5 points (-112 at FanDuel). Without Embiid, the 76ers will try to get their transition game going, but we don’t think they’ll be able to outscore the hosts.

Boston averaged 56.7 points per game in the paint in Games 4, 5 and 6 against Atlanta, so they’ll know to attack the rim.

Boston had 117 points or more in five of their six games against Atlanta, and we think they’ll stay hot tonight against a Philly defense that isn’t the same without their big man. Therefore, Over 214.5 points (-112 at FanDuel) is the top pick from our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets.

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FanDuel’s Latest 76ers vs. Celtics Betting Odds & Lines for Game 1

To help you use our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets, we also have the latest betting odds for Game 1 below:

• Philadelphia 76ers +10 (-110) vs. Boston Celtics -10 (-110) - 7:30 PM ET
• Over 214.5 (-112) vs. Under 214.5 (-108)

So, a $112 wager on Over 214.5 profits $100 if there are 215 points or more, while a $108 bet on the Under profits $100 if there are 214 points or fewer. Join FanDuel to fade or follow any of our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets this series.

Schedule for 76ers vs. Celtics NBA Playoffs Round 2

Since our 76ers vs. Celtics best bets are focused on Game 1 and the overall series, we’ve listed the schedule for every game here:

• Game 1: Monday, May 1 at 7:30 PM ET (at Boston)
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 3 at 8 PM ET (at Boston)
• Game 3: Friday, May 5 at 7:30 PM ET (at Philly)
• Game 4: Sun, May 7 at 3:30 PM ET (at Philly)
• Game 5*: Tuesday, May 9; Time TBD (at Boston)
• Game 6*: Thursday, May 11; Time TBD (at Philly)
• Game 7*: Sunday, Mat 14; Time TBA (at Boston)

*(if necessary)*

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