76ers vs Celtics Predictions, Player Props & Odds for Game 1

• Boston is laying 10 points in the 76ers vs Celtics odds for Game 1 of the second-round playoff series on Monday
• Joel Embiid (knee) is officially listed as doubtful by the Sixers
• Check out the 76ers vs Celtics Game 1 predictions, odds, injury news, and player prop picks

It’s not often you see a double-digit spread in a second round playoff game. It’s even more unusual to see it in a matchup between two of the conference’s top-three seeds. But alas, that’s the situation bettors are looking at in the NBA odds, as the Celtics get set to host the 76ers in Game 1 on Monday.

The primary reason for the huge spread is the health of Sixers star and NBA MVP finalist Joel Embiid. He’s listed as doubtful ahead of the series opener, after suffering a knee injury in the opening round.

76ers vs Celtics Game 1 Odds

Online sportsbooks believe it would be a shock if Embiid plays, and have pegged Boston as 10 point favorites as a result. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at TD Garden in Boston, MA, with TNT providing the broadcast coverage.

Odds as of April 30 at DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Philadelphia vs Boston Injury Report

Embiid went down in Game 3 of Philly’s four-game Round 1 sweep of Brooklyn with a sprained knee, and hasn’t done much basketball work since. The injury is reportedly considered more serious than a Grade 1 LCL sprain, which could spell a quick end to the Sixers hopes in the NBA playoff bracket.

"They got no chance without Joel Embiid. Zero."

Chuck on Joel Embiid's status heading into the Boston series pic.twitter.com/GYtlwmtyvN

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 30, 2023

Embiid led the league in scoring this year, averaging 33 points, while also chipping in 10 rebounds and four assists per game. He excelled against the Celtics in four regular season matchups, averaging 37 points and 12 boards. Despite his heroics, Philly went 1-3 versus Boston.

Their lone victory came in a game where neither Jaylen Brown or Robert Williams III played for the Celts, and it took 52 points from Embiid to secure the W.

76ers vs Celtics Betting Splits

The 76ers vs Celtics point spread has been moving towards Boston ever since it opened at -6.5 on Friday. Now that it’s reached double-digits however, Philly money is starting to show up. As of Sunday night, the 76ers are drawing 69% of the ATS bets and 72% of the handle as 10 point underdogs.

Total wise, the line has fallen two points from its opener, and currently sits at 213.5. At that number, 81% of the bets, and 83% of the handle are on the over.

76ers vs Celtics Betting Notes

Both Philadelphia and Boston boasted top-10 defenses this season, and that plus the absence of Embiid is helping contribute to the low total. It should be noted however, that the Celtics had no trouble putting up points versus the Sixers during the regular season.

Philadelphia’s defensive rating was seven points worse versus Boston than their season average. Eight Celtics averaged double-figures versus the Sixers, led by Jayson Tatum and Brown. The duo is one of the most talented in the NBA, and are both coming off a Round 1 series where they averaged 27 points.

The Celtics are now 23-1 (.957) when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both score 30 points, including the playoffs.

That's the best win percentage by a duo all-time (min 20 games), ahead of Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen (18-2, .900). pic.twitter.com/KOMrjafAnz

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 28, 2023

Boston has the best offensive rating of any East team in the postseason, and led that category during the regular season as well. The Celtics were just ahead of the 76ers, but a Philly team without Embiid is not all that imposing.

That’s even more true when you take into account James Harden’s struggles in the opening round, and Tyrese Maxey’s struggles against Boston during the regular season.

76ers vs Celtics Predictions

Harden and Maxey are the Sixers second and third leading scorers, and Philly simply can’t compete if they’re not playing to their potential. Harden finished Round 1 by making just 7 of his final 20 three-point attempts, and shooting 4-for-17 from the rim.

He also averaged just 2.8 trips to the free throw line versus the Nets, which is shocking since he typically lives at the charity stripe. Boston’s defense is much more athletic and imposing than Brooklyn’s, which should sound panic alarms to potentially Philly series bettors.

76ers vs Celtics Series Odds

Maxey meanwhile, shot just 35% from the field against the Celtics this season, and 28% over the team’s final three meetings. Both Harden and Maxey will see plenty of reigning DPOY Marcus Smart, and we should expect plenty of turnovers. The duo combined to average 4.5 giveaways per game in Round 1, while Smart averaged two steals.

As for Brown, Philly better be careful about devoting too much attention to Tatum. The Duke product is the headliner of the Celtics offense, but Brown was unstoppable in the opening round. He shot 54% from the field and 51.5% from three, knocking down 13 threes over the final three contests.

Picks: Philadelphia 76ers Under 101.5 Points (-110), Tyrese Maxey Under 24.5 Points (-110), Jaylen Brown Over 2.5 Threes (+110), Marcus Smart Over 1.5 Steals (+110)