If the NBA season resumes and goes directly to the playoffs, the Sixers would be the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and play the Boston Celtics.
While there’s obviously uncertainty about what might be next for the NBA with the season currently suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, we can still analyze that matchup. Westgate SuperBook, in fact, released theoretical odds for all the playoff series that would take place if the 2019-20 season resumed and immediately went to a normal playoff format.
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Sixers-Celtics is the most even series. There’s actually no favorite, as a wager of $110 on either team would win you $100.
The Sixers took the regular-season series over Boston, 3-1, although the Celtics blew the Sixers out on Feb. 1. Joel Embiid struggled badly that night, shooting 1 of 11, but was excellent on Dec. 12 against the Celtics, posting 38 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Embiid’s decision-making when double teamed would likely be one of the keys to the series.
Another factor that would seem worth considering is the Sixers’ dramatic home-road disparity. The team is 29-2 at home, best in the team, and 10-24 on the road, the worst mark of any team in playoff position. If games were to be played under modified conditions (without fans in attendance, at a neutral site, etc.), that wouldn’t come into play. These odds, however, do account both for how great the Sixers have been at Wells Fargo Center and how poor they’ve been away from it.
In theory, this hiatus could be helpful for the Sixers if it allows Ben Simmons (nerve impingement in lower back) to return to the court.
NBA
If the Sixers got past the Celtics, they’d be slated to play the Raptors or Nets in Round 2.
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