basketball | Wednesday, May 3, 2023 12:04 PM

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Bet Builder: 4.75 Wednesday Night Bet

Sam Cox

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Bet Builder: Wednesday, May 3rd

The Philadelphia 76ers carry an important 1-0 series advantage into Game Two on Wednesday night. Boston saw their offence stagnate late on in the opener and was on the end of an all-time performance from James Harden in Joel Embiid’s absence. Philly’s win in Game One makes it more likely Embiid sits this one out in the hope he can return when the series heads to Philadelphia in a few days.

With the newly named MVP likely to be sidelined, Boston is 10-point favourites for this contest. The Celtics were in the ascendancy for much of Game One, with the Sixers lacking on the defensive end without Embiid. Harden rolled back the years with his scoring-focused night, but there is rightly doubt about the former Net being able to replicate that.

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Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Bet Builder

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview

Thu, May 04. 01:00 (UK time)

It was a different form of scoring dominance from Harden. Instead of relying on getting to the cup and drawing fouls, he was working from the mid-range and happened to get scorching hot from downtown on his way to seven triples. He still could not get great separation from Boston’s elite perimeter defence, forcing him to take tough twos.

It is very unlikely Harden can get anywhere near that scoring output playing a second game in three nights. Look for the former MVP to be more of a playmaker on Wednesday. Don’t be surprised if Boston’s activity on the defensive end causes Harden some issues after exerting so much energy in Game One. This turnover line is on the low side – Harden had 24 regular season games with four or more giveaways, and his usage rate will be higher than usual with Embiid unavailable.

Alongside Harden, the Sixers also got an impressive performance from Tobias Harris to power them to a win on Monday. Harris has quietly had an excellent postseason. Sure, the defence pays more attention to him when Embiid isn’t out there, but Harden and Tyrese Maxey still create space for Harris. He has exceeded his points line in four of five playoff contests after a slow end to the regular season.

Harris will be able to get into his off-the-bounce game on occasion to take some of the burden off Harden’s shoulders.

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Best Bet

While we have focused on the Sixers for the two player props, we’re wrapping this one up by backing the Celtics. There is less value out there with Boston’s props, but they are clearly the superior team without Embiid and this game is huge for them. They cannot afford to go 2-0 down with Embiid potentially returning for Game Three.

Philly’s series-opening win has set this series up beautifully, but Game Two feels like a foregone conclusion unless we get a miraculous Embiid recovery.