The third-seeded Sixers can advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001 tonight against the Celtics in Game 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Philadelphia took a 3-2 series lead on Tuesday night, defeating Boston 115-103 at TD Garden.
After escaping with a one-point overtime win in Game 4, the Sixers played a near-perfect game in Game 5. Five players scored in double figures, and Joel Embiid had one of his best performances in this series on both ends of the floor. The newly crowned MVP recorded 33 points (10-23 FG, 3-7 3pt), seven rebounds, four blocks, and three assists. The Sixers also received an incredible bounce-back performance from Tyrese Maxey, who scored 30 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field and 6-of-12 from three-point range. He also added seven rebounds and three assists. When Maxey and Tobias Harris (16 points and 11 rebounds) are playing at their best, it makes the Sixers tough to beat.
Meanwhile, the Celtics struggled from the perimeter, shooting 39.8 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc. Jayson Tatum also struggled with his shot but picked up points in the lane and at the free-throw line. He ultimately finished with a game-high 36 points (11-27 FG, 3-11 3pt), 10 rebounds, and five assists. Tatum was one of only three Celtics in double-figures, as Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon scored four combined points.
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Can the Celtics force a Game 7 back in Boston, or will the Sixers finally snap their 22-year ECF drought tonight? Below, we'll break down tonight's Celtics-Sixers matchup, giving our prediction and best bets for the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Celtics vs. Sixers Game 6 odds, picks, predictions
- Spread: Celtics -2.5 (-110); Sixers +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: OVER 212.5 (-110); UNDER 212.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Celtics -140; Sixers +115
The Celtics are 2.5-point road favorites tonight's contest despite losing two consecutive games. Boston already won one game in Philadelphia (Game 3, 114-102) in this series and showed last year in the NBA playoffs they can overcome a 3-2 deficit.
The public is split on who will cover tonight, as both the Celtics and Sixers are receiving 50 percent of the bets on the spread, but the Celtics are getting 54 percent of the handle. However, the public likes the Sixers on the moneyline, as they are receiving 65 percent of the bets (59 percent of the handle).
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If Philadelphia wants to close out the defending Eastern Conference champions tonight, they will need Harris, Maxey, and someone off the bench to step up. In Game 5, Danuel House was the star off the bench, posting 10 points (5-7 FG) and five rebounds in 15 minutes. Will Doc Rivers trust House in Game 6, or will it be a De'Anthony Melton or Georges Niang night? As for Maxey and Harris, they combined for 46 points in Game 5, which is a good barometer for the production you want from them.
Harris has played well throughout the playoffs, averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He's also had the tall task of defending Tatum, which isn't easy. The Sixers also must win the battle on the boards and pick up transition points. In their Game 5 win, Philadelphia had 15 fast break points, while the Celtics only had five in transition. Finally, the Sixers have to prepare for the Celtics to come out firing in the first quarter, as we've seen them have great first quarters throughout this series.
If the Sixers can weather the early storm, things could be looking up for them tonight. As for the Celtics, we should expect them to shoot better than they did in Game 5. Boston could not buy a basket from beyond the arc, which put it in a hole early. The C's need to be aggressive and attack the basket, especially if their shots aren't falling early. Boston had 36 points in the paint in Game 5 and outscored the Sixers by four points (32-28) in their Game 3 win. Tatum and Jaylen Brown can get to the cup at will and must do it tonight.
Tonight's game at the Wells Fargo Center will be another classic game between these two rival teams. Fans should not expect a lopsided game. Our best bet for tonight will be the OVER 212.5 points, as the total has gone OVER in four of the first five games in this series.
Prediction: Celtics 110, Sixers 107. The Celtics (-2.5) cover the spread, with the game going OVER the total (212.5)
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Best SuperDraft player prop bet for Celtics vs. Sixers: Tobias Harris OVER 13.5 points
If Harris can stay out of trouble early, which is tough when you have to defend Tatum, he should be able to go over his points prop. The veteran forward is scoring 13.2 points per game on 51.9 percent shooting from the field and 31.6 percent from deep, and he's gone OVER 13.5 points three times in this series.
The Sixers hope Harris can carry momentum over from Game 5 when he had 16 points (7-10 FG, 1-3 3pt) and 11 rebounds. In Games 3 and 4, Harris struggled, scoring just 16 combined points. This is a prime spot for the vet to break out and hopefully help lead Philly to a series-clinching win.
MORE SuperDraft Props to consider: Joel Embiid OVER 30.5 points, Jayson Tatum OVER 29.5 points, Tyrese Maxey OVER 2.5 threes made, Malcolm Brogdon OVER 14.5 points
