Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics 5/14/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
East Semifinals – Game 7, Series tied 3-3
The stage is set for a nerve-wracking Game 7 as the Celtics host the Sixers at TD Garden for a place in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics are the favorites going into the game, with a seven-point advantage. In Game 6, the Sixers had a prime opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since the Allen Iverson era, but they let the game slip away.
The Sixers, currently seeded third, have been impressive on the road this postseason, winning four of their five games away from home. They are determined to make their first conference finals appearance since 2001. Unfortunately, their morale took a hit after a disheartening 95-86 loss to the Celtics in Game Six, during which they struggled with a 36% shooting percentage.
Center Joel Embiid, who delivered 26 points and 10 rebounds, acknowledged the challenge of playing in Boston but emphasized the need for everyone to step up, especially himself. Tyrese Maxey also had an impressive performance with 26 points, while James Harden chipped in with 13. The Sixers will need to bring their A-game to overcome the Celtics and advance to the next round.
- The Philadelphia 76ers are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games.
- Philadelphia is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 meetings with the Celtics.
- The team is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
- The 76ers are 5-12 SU in their last 17 games on the road against Boston.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics 5/14/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
Despite having a prime opportunity to eliminate the Boston Celtics in Game 6, the Philadelphia 76ers were left disappointed after a letdown loss on Thursday. Despite Jayson Tatum’s struggles, the Sixers couldn’t capitalize on their advantage, and faltered on the offensive end. Tatum eventually found his rhythm and was able to lead the Celtics to a win.
The Celtics were in trouble for a while during Game 6 against the Sixers. Despite taking an early lead, Boston found themselves trailing deep into the fourth quarter, with star player SF Jayson Tatum struggling to find his shot. Tatum had missed his first 10 three-point attempts and only scored 3 points in the first three quarters. However, he came alive in the final period, hitting one clutch shot after another to score 16 points and lead Boston’s comeback. Tatum finished the game with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 three-pointers.
PG Marcus Smart also had a strong game, putting up 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Jaylen Brown added 17 points and Malcolm Brogdon contributed 16. After the game, Tatum said he never lost faith that he could make a difference, despite his early struggles.
The Celtics are back on the winning track, rejuvenated and ready to pounce on the 76ers at their home turf. Now, in the series finale in Boston, the 76ers will face a rejuvenated Celtics team that can’t possibly perform any worse than they did in the second half of Game 6. Despite the elite talents of Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers have a history of coming up short in big playoff moments, while the Celtics have shown resilience in the face of adversity.
On the other hand, the Celtics lead the playoffs in offensive efficiency and are aiming to make their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. In Game Six, they relied on their defense to outscore the 76ers 24-13 in the final 12 minutes. They also dominated the boards, out rebounding their opponents 50-38, and made 15 of their 35 three-point attempts.
Marcus Smart was the standout player for the Celtics, scoring 22 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. Jayson Tatum, who had a slow start, finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Jaylen Brown contributed 16 points and six rebounds. It’s all set up for an exciting matchup on Sunday, with both teams determined to come out on top and book their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Boston Celtics have been the most efficient offensive team in the playoffs and are looking to make their second straight appearance in the NBA Finals. In Game 6, they had to rely on their defense to win, outscoring the Sixers 24-13 in the final quarter. They also dominated the boards, out rebounding the Sixers 50-38, and made 15 of their 35 three-point attempts.
Despite some struggles in Game 6, the Celtics have the opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals with a win in Game 7. Although the Celtics have faced some challenges in the playoffs, they have shown their ability to win in critical moments. To succeed in Game 7, the Celtics will need improved performances from key players like Jayson Tatum, who struggled in the early part of Game 6, and Al Horford, who has shown signs of slowing down. Coach Joe Mazzulla may also need to adjust Robert Williams III’s minutes to improve the team’s spacing.
- The Boston Celtics are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 6 meetings with Philadelphia.
- Boston is 10-3 SU in their last 13 games at home.
- The Celtics are 12-5 SU in their last 17 games at home against the 76ers.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics. The NBA pick for this game is the Boston Celtics. Both the Sixers and the Celtics have a lot at stake in this Game 7. For the Sixers, a loss would be a huge setback for the team’s legacy and Joel Embiid’s prime. Doc Rivers, the coach, has a history of losing Game 7s and closeout games, and the pressure is on him to change that narrative. Meanwhile, the Celtics are expected to be one of the best teams in the league, and losing in the second round, especially at home, would be a significant disappointment. Given the high stakes of this game, it’s sure to be a battle. While the Celtics are favored to win by 7 points, I believe that’s too much to give up, and the Sixers have a good chance to cover the spread. Final Score Prediction, Boston Celtics win 106-94.
NBA Starting Time: 3:30 PM (EDT)
Location: TD Garden in Boston, MA
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2023
TV: ABC
NBA Odds: Boston Celtics -6.5
NBA Totals: 200.5
