NBA Handicapping Predictions – 76ers vs Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers came from 17 points down in third quarter to top the Boston Celtics in Game Four.
NBA Basketball Matchup: #8 Philadelphia 76ers (2-2) vs. #4 Boston Celtics (2-2) Game 5
Date/Time: May 21, 7:00 PM EST on TNT
NBA Gambling Odds from BetDSI
NBA Betting Favorite: Celtics -5.5
Over/Under: 174
The series is now all even at two. Boston had to feel pretty good about themselves after Game Three, but their collapse in Game Four was confusing.
The young 76ers are full of confidence, and this will be no easy task for the veteran Celtics.
Philadelphia grabbed 17 offensive rebounds compared to just 5 for the Celtics in Game Four, and that really was the difference. The 76ers controlled the pace of the game, and they piled up 27 fast break points.
The 76ers could easily be up 3 to 1 right now if they hadn’t let one slip away in Game One at Boston. Confidence isn’t an issue right now, and the 76ers are a very deep team. Lou Williams was the team’s leading scorer during the regular season, but he has struggled mightily during the postseason. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
If the Sixers could get hot from outside, they could be very tough to beat.
Boston seemed in control of the game and the series, but their second half meltdown Friday night evened this series right back at 2-2.
The Celtics were one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA this season, and they have to be concerned about the way they are getting dominated on the glass right now.
Kevin Garnett was great through the first three games, but he looked tired in Friday night’s loss. Rajon Rondo wasn’t aggressive enough in Game Four, and that made the Celtics get worse looks at the basket. Boston must attack the rim and get to the free throw line more often in this one.
The Celtics should benefit from two days off in-between games, but the 76ers are playing very well.
I think Boston has a good chance to win this game, but 5.5 points is too much in a series that has been played this tight.
Free NBA Pick: 76ers +5.5
