Two classic NBA franchises are set to add another chapter to their decades-long rivalry. The 76ers have clawed their way back from a 3-1 series deficit, earning two straight wins. Now, a Philadelphia squad desperate for postseason success is one game away from the second round. The second-seeded Celtics have looked like a shell of themselves this week. Can Boston bounce back with a Game 7 victory at home on Saturday?
The Celtics are 7.5-point favorites (-112) over the 76ers on DraftKings Sportsbook. Boston is favored at -258 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 204.5 points. Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Saturday’s Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics postseason matchup.
76ers vs. Celtics prediction, preview
What a remarkable turnaround for the Sixers. Granted, this doesn’t come as a massive surprise. Boston, for all its strengths, struggles against elite-level big men. Philadelphia missed center Joel Embiid for the first three games of this series. However, the team has gone 2-1 since the former MVP’s return. During that time, he’s averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field. Even when double-teamed, Embiid has had an uncanny knack for finding open teammates.
Granted, this might be the deepest Philadelphia lineup in quite some time. Embiid’s co-star, Tyrese Maxey, has cemented his place among the NBA’s elite scorers. This postseason, the guard has accounted for 26.3 points and 6.5 assists per game to go with 44/41/95 shooting splits. On the wings, rookie VJ Edgecombe and veteran Paul George have formed a dynamic dup. The latter, despite frequent criticism this season, has been remarkably consistent. PG13 has scored at least 16 points in all six games of this series. Even more impressive, the 76ers are only giving up 11.0 turnovers per game, second behind only the Thunder (10.8) this postseason.
This season has almost been too good for the Celtics. Led by All-Star Jaylen Brown, Boston reeled off an impressive 56-26 record. The second half return of Jayson Tatum has only made the C’s more dangerous. With that being said, there’s no question this group has taken a hit this year in terms of depth. A team that relied heavily on its bench this postseason has had difficulty finding minutes for youngsters this postseason. Third star Derrick White (8.7 PPG, 31% FG) has been dismal during the playoffs as well. If not for reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard (14.8 PPG), the J’s would have an even heavier burden on offense.
For all their struggles in Games 5 and 6, the Celtics still have championship pedigree. This group is no stranger to high-pressure postseason matchups, including against the 76ers. Philadelphia’s biggest weakness is on the glass, giving up the NBA’s seventh-most rebounds per game to opponents (54.7). However, Boston isn’t exactly equipped to take advantage; bigs Neemias Queta and Nikola Vucevic haven’t been very effective this series. In addition, neither center has done a great job keeping Embiid in check. The Sixers, especially with the plodding Embiid on the floor, can struggle to defend in transition. However, the C’s operated at basketball’s slowest tempo this season (94.84). Pushing the pace might make a difference this evening.
76ers vs. Celtics pick, best bet
It’s fair to express some doubt with the 76ers on Saturday. We’ve seen this group fall flat on its face in big games throughout the Embiid era. Still, it’s safe to say that Boston punched a bit above its weight class during the regular season. The Celtics are still among the NBA’s best, but an Eastern Conference title is far from inevitable. Even if the home team pulls this one out, don’t expect a comfortable win.
