NBA Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 3 Spread and Prediction

Date/Time:  05-05-2018, 17:00 EDT

Spread: Philadelphia 76ers -9.5

Total: +207.5

Even without their star player Kyrie Irving, the Boston Celtics (55-27) managed to make a big step in advancing to the Eastern Conference Final by winning both home games and taking a 2-0 lead as the series moves to Philly for the next two games as Philadelphia 76ers (52-30), will need to step up and bounce back.

In the second game two days ago, the 76ers were more competitive and managed to take a 9-point lead in the opening quarter with a 31-22 score in that span. They could not hold onto that lead until the end and eventually lost one more time with a 103-108 score, despite having 3 players with more than 20 points.

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Celtics had a 54-26 record in the regular season and finished in thee second place of the East.  They are 4-1 in their last 5 games and they are led in scoring by Terry Rozier with 19.1 ppg. He also adds a team-best 6.9 dimes per game. Al Horford follows with 18.4 ppg and a team-best 8.9 boards per game, while Jayson Tatum adds 17.4 ppg and 4.7 boards per game.

76ers had a 52-30 record in the regular season and finished in the 3^rd place of the East. They have lost their last two games, both on the road against the Celtics. Joel Embiid leads the team in scoring with 21.4 ppg. He also adds a team-best 11.6 boards per game. JJ Redick follows with 20.4 ppg, while Ben Simmons adds 15.7 ppg, 9.3 boards and a team-best 8.3 dimes per game.

In their 6 previous meetings this season, Celtics lead 5-1 wins and they have won both games on the road. 76ers have a 32-11 home record so far, while Boston are 27-16 on the road. 76ers are better offensively, scoring a second-best 110.7 ppg to Celtics’ 104.7, while Celtics are better defensively, allowing a third-best 101.9 ppg to 76ers’ 106. Celtics have better accuracy both from the field with 44.8% to 76ers’ 44.3% and from behind the arc with 37.6% to 76ers’ 34.7%. 76ers are better in rebounding, grabbing 49.1 to Celtics’ 42.1 and dish more assists, with 26.4 to Celtics’ 22.3, while Celtics are better in turnovers committed (12.2 to 14.9). 76ers are the favorite for the win at home but expect a closer game than 10 points, so pick Celtics in this one.  

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 3 Prediction: Boston Celtics +9.5 (-111)