Game two of an Eastern Conference Second Round series is set for Wednesday night when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Boston Celtics. Game one saw a shocking Sixers win, without Joel Embiid, and they can take complete control with a game two win. Below is my NBA pick for the Sixers vs Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Betting Pick

The Pick: Boston Celtics -9.0

This game will be played at TD Garden at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Why Bet the Boston Celtics:

✅ Even with the game one loss, Boston has covered the spread in eight of their last 11 games played.

✅ Boston has won 15 of their last 20 home meetings with the 76ers.

✅ Philadelphia has covered the spread in just one of their last six games against the Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers Stole One

Game one saw the Sixers without MVP Joel Embiid, but that did not matter as they took the game 119-115. Philadelphia was probably sitting Embiid in this one with hops that they could have him healthy for game two and steal one then, but now, if they want, they can sit him for game two and have him return at home.

The first quarter made this game seem like it was going to be a blowout, with the Celtics leading by seven after one, but the Sixers fought back in the second quarter and cut that lead to three points at the half. It was more of the same in the final two quarters as Philadelphia tied that game up heading into the fourth quarter and grabbed a late lead to win by four. A fantastic performance by James Harden and the Sixers role players.

Harden carried the Sixers to the game one win with 45 points and six assists. Raul Reed filled in admirably for Embiid as he had 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds on the night.

The Boston Celtics Seem to Be Missing Something

Boston entered game one as 10-point favorites and ended the game no longer owning home court advantage in this series. It was a good offensive performance by the Celtics, but allowing 119 points to the Embiid-less Sixers is a huge letdown for Boston.

In the game one loss, Jayson Tatum went off for 39 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Jaylen Brown added 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists on the night.