76ers vs Celtics Game 2 Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Embiid Unlikely to Come up Big in Boston

The Boston Celtics will aim to rebound from a surprising series-opening loss as they host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

Philadelphia stole the first game of the series 119-115 in Boston behind a 45-point outing from James Harden. Jayson Tatum scored 39 in a losing effort for the Celtics.

The 76ers will have Joel Embiid back for Game 2, but the question is just what they can expect from the newly minted NBA MVP in his return from a left knee injury. We’ll break down how Embiid will impact Wednesday’s game in our NBA picks and predictions for 76ers vs Celtics on May 3.

76ers vs Celtics Game 2 best odds

76ers vs Celtics Game 2 picks and predictions

After two years of close calls, Joel Embiid took his game to yet another level this season to capture his first NBA MVP award. Embiid led the league by averaging 33.1 points per game, while also pulling down 10.2 rebounds and dishing out 4.2 assists per games. He’s also an imposing force on the defensive end, where he blocked 1.7 shots per game on the year.

Embiid started relatively strong in Philadelphia’s opening-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. However, he injured his knee in Game 3 of the series while defending against Nets forward Cameron Johnson. While Embiid finished out the game, he was struggling to get through the second half, and hasn’t played since.

Without a doubt, a healthy Embiid makes the 76ers a better and more dangerous team. The question is how healthy he will be for Game 2, and how much he will be able to help his team on Wednesday.

Even before the injury, Embiid wasn’t putting up the kinds of offensive numbers that would match his regular season performance. Over the first two games against Brooklyn, the center averaged 23 points. He then scored 14 in Game 3, though he was slowed by his injury in the second half. 

It’s hard to know what to expect from Embiid on his return from injury tonight. Given that he was considered doubtful until suddenly announcing that he would play barring any further setbacks, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be at 100%. That could manifest itself in any number of ways, from reduced mobility to limited playing time. In any case, we have to downgrade our anticipated numbers for the center.

There are other factors to consider as well. The 76ers found enormous success relying on Harden and Maxey in Game 1, peppering the Celtics from the perimeter. Philadelphia will certainly try to get Embiid involved in the offense, but a complete shift away from a successful strategy is unlikely. 

Then there was Boston’s shocking lack of defensive intensity in Game 1. Giving up 119 points in a playoff game was not part of the Celtics’ gameplan, and Al Horford and others have already vowed to step it up on Wednesday. You can’t put too much stock in what players say (they’re always going to want to do better after a poor performance), but considering Boston only allowed 111.4 points per game in the regular season – and these are generally two teams that play at a relaxed pace – I’d expect a lower-scoring game tonight.

Sportsbooks have clearly considered these factors, as Embiid’s points prop is well below his regular season average. Yet that adjustment hasn’t been nearly harsh enough. Assuming Embiid plays, we have no idea how long he will be able to stay on the court, whether the 76ers will want to use him much, or if Boston will bring a better defensive gameplan now that they’re facing the full Philadelphia lineup. I’m taking the Under on Embiid’s points total tonight.

My best bet: Embiid Under 25.5 points (-120)

76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay

76ers +7.5

Under 217.5

Embiid Under 25.5 points

+525 at DraftKings

As I outlined above, I don’t expect Embiid to be at full strength for this game, and the Celtics should be prepared for his return defensively. Still, he’ll be a force on defense. Combined with a better effort from Boston, we can expect a lower-scoring game. 

Boston may well win, but 7.5 points is just too many to be giving a tough 76ers team that will have its best player back in some capacity for Game 2.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

76ers vs Celtics Game 2 spread and Over/Under analysis

Boston may have opened this game as a 9.5-point favorite, but that number has been bet down significantly since then. Whether it’s because of Embiid’s return, or simply because that huge number didn’t sit well with bettors after watching Philadelphia win Game 1, the spread has been dropped to just 7.5 points across the board as of midday on Wednesday.

The total for Game 2 has been far more stable. After opening at 218 points, there has been only some slight downward movement, with most sites now offering either 217 or 217.5 as the main Over/Under. Almost every book is playing it straight on whatever number they’ve chosen as well, offering -110 (or very close to that) on both sides.

While the two teams combined for 234 points in Game 1, these aren’t typically teams that aim for shootouts, and that number will almost certainly come down on Wednesday. Of the four regular season meetings between these teams, only one — a season-opening 126-117 win for the Celtics — finished above 217 points.

76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know

Joel Embiid has scored 25 points or less in eight of his last 10 postseason games. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.

76ers vs Celtics Game 2 game info

76ers vs Celtics Game 2 key injuries

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