NBA Handicapping Predictions – Lakers vs Nuggets
The first two games of this series couldn’t have been any closer. The Celtics escaped Game One with a one-point win.
NBA Basketball Matchup: #4 Boston Celtics (1-1) vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers (1-1)
Date/Time: May 16, 7:00 PM EST on TNT
NBA Gambling Odds from Bovada
NBA Betting Favorite: 76ers -2
Over/Under: 172.5
The 76ers came back and edged out a one-point victory in Game Two.
The series shifts to Philadelphia Thursday night with everything squared up at one.
The oddsmakers expect a close game here.
Boston hasn’t played particularly well in the first two games of this series, especially on the offensive end.
Paul Pierce was the team’s leading scorer in the regular season, but he has been all out of sorts in this series. Pierce is 5 for 20 from the floor, and he is averaging just 10.5 points per game.
Kevin Garnett has been the team’s best player in the playoffs. He has a double-double in each of the first two games. Ray Allen appeared to be finding his shooting stroke as the game moved on last time out. Rajon Rondo needs to be a little more aggressive on the offensive end for this team to win against the defensive-minded 76ers. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Philadelphia edged their way into the playoffs as an eight seed, but they are playing like a real contender right now. Doug Collins has this team playing terrific halfcourt defense. There is no real superstar on this team, but depth is a major strength for this squad.
Guys like Jrue Holiday, Spencer Hawes, and Evan Turner have all stepped their game up a great deal in the playoffs. The 76ers surprisingly dominated the glass in Game Two, and that was a major reason they picked up the 82-81 win Monday night.
Philadelphia needs to get out in the open floor and get transition baskets at every opportunity.
Philadelphia blasted the Celtics twice at home during the regular season, but the playoffs are completely different. Boston is a veteran team and they know how important this game is.
Don’t be surprised if they play much better in this one.
Free NBA Pick: Celtics +2