NBA Handicapping Predictions – 76ers vs Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers led almost the entire game in the series opener on Saturday, but the Celtics rallied to pick up a 92-91 victory.
NBA Basketball Matchup: #8 Philadelphia 76ers (0-1) vs. #4 Boston Celtics (1-0)
Game 2
Date/Time: May 14, 7:00 PM EST on TNT
NBA Gambling Odds from Bovada
NBA Betting Favorite: Celtics -4
Over/Under: 173.5
The 76ers believe that Game One showed they are fully capable of winning this series.
On the other hand, Boston showed they can win games even when they don’t play their best. TNT will have coverage of Game Two Monday night.
Philadelphia jumped out to a double digit lead in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on when the Celtics turned it on in the second half. Evan Turner had 16 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday’s game. Turner has really stepped up for this team in the playoffs.
Philadelphia needs a better performance out of their point guards. Jrue Holiday was great in the first round, but he went 3 for 13 from the floor in the series opener against Boston. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Spencer Hawes has picked his game up a great deal in the playoffs, and his shooting touch from outside is terrific for a guy with his size.
Rajon Rondo looked terrible in the first half Saturday, but he managed to turn it on and finish with 13 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds. Kevin Garnett has been awesome of late, and he continued his great play in this one. Garnett scored 29 points, which was the most he has scored all season. He also pulled down 11 rebounds.
The Celtics were a miserable 2 for 18 from three-point range in the first game of this series. Boston was 18 for 19 from the free throw line, which really helped them squeak out the win.
Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will have to find their shooting stroke if the Celtics are going to keep advancing in the playoffs.
These teams seem to play at a pretty quick pace when they get together, and the line is still set very low. Look for a close game with plenty of free throws.
Free NBA Pick: Over 173.5
