Vaughn Dalzell breaks down his best bets in Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden.
76ers at Celtics (-7.5): O/U 217.5
Game 2 between the Celtics and 76ers features a bounce back spot for Boston, which is my favorite time to back the Celtics.
Last year, Boston was 7-0 ATS and on the ML following a loss during the postseason until Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics have been the best team to bet following a loss over the past two seasons and I like this spot for them.
Boston is 2-0 ATS and on the ML following a loss in the 2023 postseason. Boston won both games by eight points apiece and both games were on the road. Boston led at the end of the both first quarters and halftime of those games as well.
Philadelphia should be without Joel Embiid for Game 2 and with Game 3 being in Philly, I expect Embiid to sit Game 2 with a 1-0 lead and get healthy for a home return.
The Celtics may have underestimated Philadelphia in Game 1 and defensively, it showed, so I expect Boston to turn up in Game 2 at home, so I took the Celtics trifecta spot, the first quarter, first half and full game.
Update: Joel Embiid has been ruled in, so the updated bets and prices are below.
Celtics 1Q -2.5 (-115) -- Celtics 1H -4.5 (-120) -- Celtics full game -7.5 (-110)
Pick: Celtics 1Q -2.5 (Risk 1u), Celtics 1H -4.5 (Risk 1u), Celtics -7.5 (Risk 1u)
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