Sixers vs. Celtics prediction and odds for Game 1 (Target total with Embiid's status in doubt)
The Boston Celtics are now the massive favorites to advance to the NBA Finals out of the Eastern Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks getting bounced in the first round and the team’s second round opponent, Philadelphia 76ers, likely down its MVP.
Most storylines around this second round matchup between the Celtics and 76ers now center around Joel Embiid’s knee injury that may cost him part of this series. The likely MVP winner suffered an LCL sprain in Game 3 against the Nets in the first round, costing him Game 4.
Even with more than a week to recover, Embiid’s status is in doubt for Game 1 of the second round, per Doc Rivers.
With Embiid either out or hobbled lets break down the odds and find the best bet for Game 1 of this series:
Sixers vs. Celtics odds, spread and total
Sixers vs. Celtics prediction and pick
This line shot out towards the Celtics when the news surrounding Embiid dropped. With the big man “doubtful,” the Celtics went from -7 to -10. I’m not sure that’s enough of an adjustment but the total didn’t budge all that much, going from 214.5 to 213.5, which I’m sure isn’t enough.
The Sixers offense runs through Embiid as James Harden looks a step slow and Tyrese Maxey isn’t ready to control a playoff offense just yet. Against a Celtics defense that has the size on the perimeter to bother the duo of Sixers guards’ I think this can be a grind for Philly’s offense.
Overall, the Sixers offense drops off seven points per 100 possessions when Embiid is off the floor.
If Embiid does play, he’ll be far from 100%, and the Celtics big man duo of Robert Williams III and Al Horford can control the paint.
I expect the Sixers to try and slow the pace to a crawl and stop the Celtics from pushing in transition. Philly won’t have many places to hide the slow footed Harden or the diminutive Maxey, but I believe the pace is going to dictate an under game whether Embiid is in or out.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
