Game 2 Predictions & Odds: 76ers vs. Celtics

• August 18, 2020
• By Kevin Rogers
• VegasInsider.com

Betting Resources

• Matchup: Eastern Conference Game 2
• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020
• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• TV: TNT
• Bet: BetMGM | BetRivers | FanDuel | PointsBet | All

Betting Odds - 76ers vs. Celtics

The Celtics opened as 5 ½-point favorites for Game 2, but that number dropped to 4 ½ on Tuesday afternoon after the news that Boston forward Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury.

The money-line on a Boston victory in Game 2 sits at -185 (Bet $185 to win $100), while Philadelphia's money-line is set at around +165 to +175 depending on the book.

The total was listed at 215 before the Hayward news as the number dropped down to 214.5 at many outlets.

Boston entered this series as a -400 favorite to win, but that price spiked to -715 after the Game 1 victory. Philadelphia has gone from +330 prior to the series and now is up to +500 to win four of the next six games.

Game 1 Recap

The Celtics had plenty of revenge on their minds after losing three of four regular season meetings to the arch-rival 76ers. Boston led Philadelphia at the end of the first quarter in all four meetings this season, but the 76ers jumped out to a 26-25 advantage after the first 12 minutes.

Boston rebounded to take a 55-49 halftime lead, but Philadelphia rallied for a four-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The Celtics pulled away by outscoring the Sixers, 34-22 in the fourth quarter to barely grab the cover as 6 ½-point favorites in a 109-101 win.

The Sixers are playing without their main distributor as Ben Simmons is out with a knee injury sustained in the third game of the restart. Joel Embiid paced Philadelphia with 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Josh Richardson and Alec Burks each posted 18 points. The 76ers shot 33% from long distance (9-of-27), while committing 18 turnovers compared to only seven by Boston.

The big guns for the Celtics showed up in Game 1 as Jayson Tatum (32 points) and Jaylen Brown (29 points) led the way as Boston picked up its sixth consecutive playoff series opening victory. The Celtics' bench didn't contribute much by scoring only eight points and Boston overcame a 42% shooting night from the floor for a 1-0 series lead.

Game 1 Betting Results

All four favorites cashed in Monday's round of opening games, including Boston's full-game cover.

The 'over' was close to cashing in the first quarter, first half, and second half, but ultimately it was 'unders' across the board.

Philadelphia cashed the first quarter as a short underdog, but Boston brought home the money in both the first half, second half, and the entire game after hitting several free throws to ice the victory.

Outcome: Boston 109, Philadelphia 101

• Game: Celtics Win (109-101), Celtics Cover (-6.5), Under (217)
• First Quarter: 76ers Win (26-25) 76ers Cover (+2.5), Under (54.5)
• First Half: Celtics Win (55-49), Celtics Cover (-3.5), Under (106.5)
• Second Half: Celtics Win (54-52), Celtics Cover (-1.5), Under (110)

76ers vs. Celtics
How to Handicap Game 2

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

76ers Betting Outlook

• Overall: 43-31 SU, 31-39-4 ATS, 39-34-1 O/U
• Bubble: 4-5 SU, 3-6 ATS, 5-4 O/U

The Sixers covered their final two regular season games in the underdog role against the Raptors and Rockets before failing to grab the cash against the Celtics. Philadelphia has lost four of its past five games since starting the bubble at 3-1.

The 76ers actually lost each of their first two playoff series openers, but won each of the Game 2's, including in the second round against Toronto in the underdog role. In the last three postseasons in the 3/6 matchup inside the Eastern Conference, a team has not taken a 2-0 series lead.

Celtics Betting Outlook

• Overall: 49-24 SU, 42-27-4 ATS, 34-38-1 O/U
• Bubble: 6-3 SU, 4-4-1 ATS, 4-4-1 O/U

Boston cashed its third straight 'under' in Monday's win, while the Celtics are seeking consecutive covers for the second time inside the bubble.

Joel Embiid and the 76ers won each of their Game 2's in the 2019 postseason. (AP).

The Celtics improved to 3-0 SU/ATS inside the bubble against Atlantic division foes, while covering three of their last four games in the favorite role.

Key Injuries

Philadelphia

• Ben Simmons: Knee - Out

Boston

• Gordon Hayward: Ankle - Out

Hayward sustained an ankle injury with three minutes remaining in Game 1 and it will keep him sidelined for up to four weeks.

Game 2 Best Bet Picks

The 76ers are in desperate need of a win here in Game 2 as if they fall behind, 2-0, they can be done quickly. But, Philadelphia received a break with Hayward out and now putting all the pressure on Tatum and Brown to carry the load for Boston.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia 109, Boston 104