76ers vs. Celtics 2023 NBA Playoffs Odds and Game 5 Preview – May 9th

By Jeff Stinger • May 8, 2023

The 76ers vs. Celtics series is level after a narrow Philly overtime win in Game 4. Head coach Doc Rivers and his squad were on the verge of losing three consecutive games since their opening game road victory. However, the persistent MVP duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden put the Celtics under heavy pressure.

This Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup gets tighter and tighter as Game 5 approaches. Both teams head back to Massachusetts for Tuesday night’s clash with the Celtics preparing to regain the series lead in front of their home fans.

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out key assists and lob passes with betting tips and news coverage throughout the 2023 NBA Playoffs. We break down the upcoming playoff showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics.

76ers vs. Celtics Game 5 2023 NBA Playoffs Second-Round Information

When: Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 7:30 PM ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: TNT
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic (76ers) // 98.5 The Sports Hub (Celtics)
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
NBA Betting Odds: 76ers (+7) / Celtics (-7)

Why Bet on the Philadelphia 76ers?

Philadelphia’s nail-biting victory was heavily influenced by the MVP duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden. Once again, we saw vintage Harden perform on the floor, recording 42 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists on 16 of 23 shooting. The former Brooklyn guard also drained all four of his free throws. Meanwhile, 2023 MVP Joel Embiid led his team with 13 rebounds, four assists, and 32 points. Tyrese Maxey is the only other player to score double digits for the 76ers with 14 points on top of eight rebounds and an assist.

The hosts shot 46.2% from the field as a team and 38.2% from deep. They were significantly better from the line with only three missed free throws compared to Boston’s 16 of 22. Both were evenly matched with 44 rebounds and 42 points in the paint apiece.

Since starting the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the 76ers averaged 103.3 points and 44.4% from the field. They have a decent three-point shooting average of 39.1% to go with an 87.8% free-throw percentage. Moreover, the Sixers pen =offensive and defensive ratings of 32.7 and 43.6, respectively.

Why Bet on the Boston Celtics?

Marcus Smart almost gave Boston the two-game series advantage. His three-pointer was a few milliseconds too late. The Sixers’ one-point lead survived their attacks in the end. Nevertheless, we saw the visitors produce impressive team basketball versus the 76ers. Six players recorded double digits that night. Jayson Tatum had 24 points and Jaylen Brown recorded 23. Marcus Smart was not far behind with 21 points, while Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White, and Al Horford combined for 41 points.

Boston shot slightly better than their opponents at 47.1% and 38.6% from deep. They missed a few good opportunities from the line and hit 16 of 22 free throws. Overall, both teams were neck and neck. It was an intense game from start to finish. Top scorer Jayson Tatum also led the Celtics with 18 rebounds.

The Celtics are one of the better teams in the playoffs on paper. They average 119.7 points per game on 50.6% from the field. They can go toe-to-toe with the 76ers from deep at 39.6%. As a team, Boston documents an 8.6 offensive rating and a 35.8 defensive rating.

76ers vs. Celtics Betting Trends

The 76ers won two of their last five road games versus the Celtics (2-3 ATS).
Philadelphia won three of their last five playoff road games (2-3 ATS).
The totals have gone over in two of Philly’s last six postseason contests.
Boston lost three of their last five meetings versus the Sixers (3-2 ATS).
The Celtics are 3-2 in their last five playoff games at TD Garden (3-2 ATS).
The totals have gone under in three of Boston’s last five playoff home games.

76ers vs. Celtics Game 5 Expert Betting Predictions

It’s clear that the Celtics are the more consistent team of the two. They are the favored team as the series returns to Boston. However, we’ve seen this squad take its foot on the gas a few times in the 2023 postseason.

Meanwhile, the Sixers secured their chances to draw the series. Harden and Embiid showed up following disappointing performances. The big man is good enough to keep his team hanging around, but the rest of the team like Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey need to chip in. If the 76ers can keep the momentum going, there’s a good chance we see them cover the spread and snatch another road victory.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.