Down 1-0 in the series, the Philadelphia 76ers have some serious work to do Tuesday night if they’re to head home with a split. The 76ers were badly outclassed by the Celtics in a 123-91 rout in Game 1, with the game essentially over after the first few minutes.
Boston has been the biggest roadblock for Philadelphia, eliminating them three times in their last eight playoff appearances. What makes this matchup compelling is how the Philadelphia 76ers will respond to combat the Celtics with increased intensity of their own.
Nick Nurse’s men actually did well in the regular season against the Celtics, winning one on the road and one at home in their four meetings. Tuesday marks the 118th matchup between the Eastern Conference rivals, with the Celtics holding a 67-50 lead.
Game 2 tips off at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports/Peacock.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Odds
Moneyline: 76ers (+625) vs Celtics (-950)
Spread: 76ers +13.5 (-110) vs Celtics -13.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): 76ers o216.5 (-110) vs Celtics u216.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Preview
Jayson Tatum, who played his first playoff game since the Achilles tear last season, looked more like his usual and dominant self. He appeared increasingly comfortable getting into plays and showed added bite on the defensive end, signaling a return to form. He recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds, along with seven assists and two steals.
Jaylen Brown led the team in scoring with 26 points, while Neemias Queta, Derrick White, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard also finished in double figures.
As for the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey finished with 21 points and eight assists, but struggled from 3-point range, going 1-for-4. Paul George had 17 points, while VJ Edgecombe added 13 and went 0-for-5 from the 3-point line, and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 10 points but also shot 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Overall, Philadelphia shot just 4-for-23 from 3-point range, with no player able to consistently convert from deep.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Injury Reports
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report
Joel Embiid, who has been dealing with an appendectomy, remains out. The team’s latest announcement said he has started strength training, but there is still no timetable for his return. The 76ers’ postseason hopes to avoid a sweep largely hinge on the status of their franchise big man.
Boston Celtics Injury Report
The Boston Celtics had only one player on the injury report, with Ron Harper Jr. listed as probable with a slight ankle sprain. He is expected to play some minutes off the bench barring any setbacks. The 26-year-old scored five points in his playoff debut in Sunday’s Game 1 blowout.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Starting Lineups
76ers
PG: Tyrese Maxey | SG: VJ Edgecombe | SF: Kelly Oubre Jr. | PF: Paul George | C: Adem Bona
Celtics
PG: Derrick White | SG: Jaylen Brown | SF: Sam Hauser | PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Neemias Queta
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Celtics have momentum on their side after winning Game 1, and we think they will continue their impressive form in front of their fans by claiming another big win. The Celtics are listed as 13-point favorites, with the over-under for total points set at 216.
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