Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 14/05/2023, 05:58  by Joseph King | Modified on 14/05/2023 at 05:58 in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers with a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals on the line when the two teams face off for game seven of the second round in the NBA Playoffs. The Sixers had a chance to close out the series on their home court in game six but let the opportunity slip with the Celtics running out 95-86 winners to tie the series up at 3-3. It will come as a bitter blow to Philly fans who saw their team muster only 13 total points in the fourth quarter after taking a lead heading into the final 12 minutes of play. The winner of this series will face off against the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals.

Boston has all the momentum here as they return to the TD Garden following their fourth quarter comeback to even the series in hostile territory. History is certainly in the Celtics favor here as their own personal history against the 76ers as well as home teams in game sevens means they undoubtedly will be expected to advance to the next round. Boston has been favored by the oddsmakers in every game this series so it isn’t too much of a surprise to see them come in as sizable favorites for the deciding game. The Celtics finished the regular season with 32 wins from 41 home games and boast a 6-4 record against Philadelphia in their 10 total meetings this season.

The 76ers may have missed their best opportunity to advance to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2001 after the game six loss. Despite coming into that game as slight underdogs, the game was there for the taking heading into the fourth quarter. It’s going to be tough for them to recover from that loss, especially considering that this team has shown that they aren’t mentally the toughest side around over the last few seasons. The one saving grace for Philly will be their excellent road performance this season as the Sixers are 29-17 in the regular season and playoffs combined, the highest mark in the league.