76ers vs Celtics Game 5 Predictions, Odds & Player Props to Target (May 9)

• Boston is laying 7.5 points in the 76ers vs Celtics odds ahead of Game 5 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday
• The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2, after Philly took Game 4 in overtime
• Get the 76ers vs Celtics Game 5 predictions, odds, betting splits, and player-prop picks here

The 76ers-Celtics series is now a best-of-three after Philadelphia won an overtime thriller 116-115 on Sunday. James Harden was the hero of Game 4, not only tying the game in the final seconds of regulation, but also hitting the game-winner in OT.

Harden shook off back-to-back horrendous performances in Games 2 and 3 to emerge as the hero of Game 4, and Philly will need a similar effort from both him and Joel Embiid if they have any hope of stealing Game 5.

Online sportsbooks are bearish on their chances to do so, as they opened Boston as sizeable home favorites in the NBA odds.

76ers vs Celtics Game 5 Odds

The Celtics are currently favored by 7.5 points, in a contest with a total of 214. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at TD Garden in Boston, MA, with TNT providing the broadcast coverage.

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Odds as of May 8 at DraftKings. Claim a DraftKings promo code to bet on 76ers vs Celtics Game 5. 

Philadelphia vs Boston Betting Splits

As of Monday night, the spread betting splits are very close, with Boston holding a slight advantage. The Celtics are garnering 55% of the ATS handle, off of 48% of the spread wagers. Boston has covered in six of 10 playoff games so far, including three of five at home.

Total-wise, bettors are pounding over 227. That side of the total is getting 81% of the over/under bets, and 73% of the handle. The over is 3-1 so far in this series, and 7-1 in the Celtics last eight playoff games

76ers vs Celtics Series Odds

As for the series odds market, the Celtics are still massive favorites to advance in the NBA playoff bracket despite the defeat in Game 4. Boston is currently a -330 favorite, with Philly coming back as a +265 underdog.

PHI vs BOS NBA Betting Trends

It’s no surprise the 76ers were blown out in both Game 2 and 3 given Harden’s 5-for-28 combined numbers from the field. In Game 4 he was electric, splashing 42 points, including six triples. He also chipped in nine assists and eight rebounds, against only one turnover.

James Harden is the first 76ers player to have multiple 40-point games in a postseason since Allen Iverson. pic.twitter.com/HicGtRPtz4

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 7, 2023

Joel Embiid looked like a deserving MVP winner with 34 points of his own and 13 boards, as the Sixers shot 46% from the field and 38% from three.

Boston actually shot the ball slightly better than Philly, but made three less free throws on the same number of attempts. Jayson Tatum led the way with 24 points and 18 boards, while Jaylen Brown added 23 points, and Marcus Smart poured in 21 to go along with seven assists.

Smart’s game-winning attempt at the buzzer in OT wouldn’t fall, but despite the series being tied at 2 history is still on the Celtics side. Boston is 44-5 all time in best-of-seven series after taking a 2-1 lead. Sure, they let Game 4 slip away, but they still lead the playoffs in offensive rating and Net rating, and have the shortest price in the NBA championship odds.

76ers vs Celtics Predictions

To play devil’s advocate, Boston still doesn’t have an answer for Embiid. Al Horford has been his primary defender so far, but that’s resulted in back-to-back 30+ point, 13 rebound efforts. In Game 4’s biggest moment it was Tatum, not Horford with the assignment, and Brown left Harden alone in the corner to provide help.

Of course, Embiid found a wide open Harden and the rest is history. The bottom-line, inserting Embiid back into the mix makes Philadelphia a very dangerous offensive team, even if his injured knee is only at 80%. His presence opens up the game for Harden, and gives the Sixers a puncher’s chance.

"Nobody can guard Jo one on one. It's not disrespect to Al [Horford]… When he's aggressive and assertive, it's impossible, and I seen him two plays in a row not do that. And we can't have that. Not with the season on the line."

PJ Tucker on Joel Embiidpic.twitter.com/w5dJUJDSa1

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 8, 2023

At the other end of the court, expect Boston’s offensive efficiency to continue. The 76ers have one of the worst road defensive ratings of any postseason team still standing, and have coughed up at least 114 points in every game of this series so far.

As far as the player prop market is concerned, the big names are priced efficiency, but there’s some value on the point totals of Smart and De’Anthony Melton. Smart’s over/under is just 12.5, a number he’s cleared in three straight, and should be able to do so again given he’ll see plenty of Harden’s underwhelming defense.

Melton meanwhile, is relied upon for his defense, not his offense. He took only two shots in Game 4 in 25 minutes, and has failed to exceed 7 points in five of eight meetings versus Boston this season.

Picks:

• Over 214 (-110)
• Marcus Smart Over 12.5 Points (-130)
• De’Anthony Melton Under 7.5 Points (-125)