Celtics vs 76ers Predictions, Picks & Betting Splits (Game 3)

• The Celtics are 7.5-point favorites over the 76ers in Game 3 of their 1st Round series tonight
• Boston is 11-1 ATS as road favorites after a loss since 2018
• See my Celtics vs 76ers predictions and picks, plus the latest odds and betting splits, below

The Celtics and 76ers 1st Round series shifts to Philly tonight, with the teams deadlocked at 1 game a piece. The Sixers evened the best-of-7 series in Game 2, but online sportsbooks expect Boston to reassert its dominance in Game 3. They’re listed as 7.5-point favorites in the latest NBA odds, and I think you can make an argument that the line isn’t high enough.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm ET from the Xfinity Mobile Arena, in Philadelphia, PA. Amazon Prime Video will stream coverage across the nation, while TSN will handle Canadian TV duties.

Here are my Celtics vs 76ers predictions and picks, plus the latest odds and betting splits for Game 3.

Celtics vs 76ers Predictions and Picks

• Boston Celtics -7.5 (-110 at Bet365)

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I’m betting Boston -7.5 tonight for a couple reasons. They’re due for some positive regression after a horrific shooting performance from downtown in Game 2, and I expect they make a massive adjustment to how they guard VJ Edgecombe.

Let’s start with their shooting numbers. The Celtics boasted the second best offensive rating during the regular season, while knocking down the third most threes. They also took more triples than all but three other teams, but they still managed the eighth best shooting percentage from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency is what makes them an NBA Championship odds contender.

Yet in Game 2, they went ice cold from downtown. Boston made just 13 of 50 three-point attempts, and got uncharacteristic performances from their best long range shooters. Sam Hauser, Derric White, Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum combined to go 6-for-30 from three. What’s even more head scratching is that they were playing at home, shooting on familiar rims in favorable conditions.

To make things even worse, Boston missed a ton of wide open looks. 24 of their 50 attempts were considered wide open, and the Celtics cashed only 6 of those opportunities (25%). Considering they shot 40.2% on those types of shots during the regular season, we can safely bank on them being much more efficient tonight.

They’ll certainly have their opportunities, because Philly’s defensive strategy appears to be to let Boston rain three-point attempts all night long. The 76ers routinely collapse hard on pick-and-rolls and ISO’s, leaving Celtics ball handlers with looks too good to pass up.

As for the Edgecomb, the rookie destroyed Boston in Game 2 to the tune of 30 points. He was the difference in the game but it should be noted that the Celtics were defending him with Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard, who aren’t exactly DPOY contenders. Expect Boston to take a much more aggressive approach versus Edgecomb, forcing the ball out of his hands and towards one of his far less efficient teammates.

One more thing working in the Celtics favor is their ridiculous ability to bounce back, especially on the road as favorites. Since 2018, Boston is 11-1 both straight up and against the spread when laying points as visitors after a loss.

Celtics vs 76ers Odds

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Moving over to the Celtics vs 76ers odds, where Bet365 is currently offering the best price on Boston -7.5 at -110. If you want to back the Sixers, DraftKings has the most favorable odds on both a Philly cover at -108, and an upset victory at +260.

Celtics vs 76ers Betting Splits

When it comes to the NBA public betting splits, the Celtics and Sixers are both drawing 50% of the spread tickets, but Boston is commanding more money (54%). I didn’t talk about the 215.5 point total, but its seems like everyone and their mother is betting the over. That side of the total is drawing 86% of the wagers and 85% of the handle.