An Eastern Conference Semifinal showdown has the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics clashing on Thursday. The winner of this 2023 NBA playoff series advances to the Conference Finals. The 76ers have a chance to close it out after winning two in a row as on May 9, Philadelphia went on the road to win 115-103. The 76ers are 5-1-1 against the spread in their last seven games following an ATS win. Meanwhile, Boston is 5-2 ATS in its last seven road games. Philadelphia lists Joel Embiid (knee) as questionable, though he's played in the past four games with that designation.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Caesars Sportsbook lists Boston as the 2.5-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. 76ers odds. The over/under for total points is 212. Before locking in any 76ers vs. Celtics picks, you need to see the NBA playoff predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model entered the conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Sixers and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Now, here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Sixers vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. 76ers spread: Celtics -2.5
- Celtics vs. 76ers over/under: 212 points
- Celtics vs. 76ers money line: 76ers +115, Celtics -135
- BOS: Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss
- PHI: 76ers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight-up win
- Celtics vs. 76ers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the 76ers can cover
Guard Tyrese Maxey is a supremely confident and talented playmaker in the backcourt. Maxey has crafty and swift handles along with a pure jumper. The Kentucky product thrives in the pick-and-roll as a scorer or facilitator. Maxey logs 20.3 points, five rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest in the playoffs. In the Game 5 win, he supplied 30 points, seven boards, and knocked down six 3-pointers.
Forward Tobias Harris provides this group with another effective scorer. Harris has the ability to create mismatches due to shot-making from all three levels. The Tennessee product is averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds while making 42% of his 3-point attempts in the postseason. In the Game 5 victory, Harris had 16 points and 11 rebounds. See which team to back at SportsLine.
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Malcolm Brogdon plays the game with a calm pace off the bench. Brogdon has great court vision and has the skill set to create his own shot. Additionally, the Virginia product is an active and smart defender who is averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in the postseason. He has dropped at least 19 points in three of his five games, including in Game 2 when Brogdon had 23 points and six rebounds.
Guard Marcus Smart is an outstanding and tough defender who will always give maximum effort. The Oklahoma State product does a good job attacking the basket and constantly looks to get his teammates involved. Smart puts up 16.1 points, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the playoffs. In Game 5, he notched 21 points, seven assists, and made four 3-pointers. See which team to pick here.
How to make Celtics vs. 76ers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 222 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. 76ers? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Celtics vs. 76ers spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.
