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NBA Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (5/3)

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The 76ers have had a very good start to the week.

The 76ers knocked off the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday and then watched Joel Embiid earn the MVP on Tuesday.

They’ll try and go up 2-0 against the Celtics tonight. If they can earn back-to-back wins on the road, the 76ers will be in great shape. Especially with the news breaking that Embiid is probable to play tonight.

This news is going to hurt Boston fans. But the Celtics still have enough pieces to get back on track and win tonight’s game. Overall, in the box score, the Celtics out-played the 76ers. They just turned the ball over more and watched the 76ers shoot nearly 45% from downtown in Game 1. That would continue throughout the series.

Here are multiple bets that you can consider for tonight’s standalone NBA Playoffs game.

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Today’s Best NBA Bets

All wagers are 1 unit | Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics

The 76ers mainly only got scoring production out of five players in Game 1 against the Celtics. However, thanks to James Harden, it didn’t matter.

Harden has been criticized a lot this season, and for good reason. Sometimes, it feels like he takes games off and doesn’t exert much energy. Although, when his name was called in Game 1, he was ready.

Harden added 45 points in 39 minutes after going 7-for-14 from downtown. Tyrese Maxey added 26, and Tobias Harris scored 18 in the win.

The 76ers shot nearly 45% from deep on 38 attempts, while the Celtics hit 38.5% from three on 26 attempts. Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston in Game 1 with 39 points, and Jaylen Brown chipped in 23. However, Brown only took ten shots in 42 minutes for the Celtics. Malcolm Brogdon, who comes off the bench, took 16 shots for the Celtics.

The Celtics shot better from the field and got to the foul line more. Boston even added nine more assists. However, the Celtics turned the ball over 16 times while the 76ers turned it over just eight. Boston needs to limit turnovers and add more possessions.

The 76ers likely won’t shoot nearly 45% from downtown on the road in a hostile environment consistently. The Celtics also had ten fewer fouls than the 76ers in the game.

Look for the Celtics to bounce back with a double-digit victory over the 76ers, even with Embiid back in the lineup.

Bet: Celtics -7.5 (-110)

I’d also consider the Under. Both defenses need to tighten up a bit heading into Game 2. The Celtics shot nearly 59% from the field, while the 76ers drained nearly 45% from three while hitting every single free throw attempt.

The 76ers didn’t get to the foul line at a high rate but nailed all 12 attempts.

I like both offenses to slow down against two reliable and good defenses.

Bet: Under 217 (-110)

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