What is it about guys from Philadelphia going the distance?
The Philadelphia 76ers have taken their cue from Philly’s favorite fictional son, “Rocky Balboa”, and dragged the Boston Celtics into a Game 7 showdown.
The Sixers, who trailed 3-1 in this Round 1 series, have rallied behind their improved defensive play. And setting the tone on that end of the floor is Kelly Oubre Jr.
But while Oubre is doing a great job limiting Boston’s biggest weapons, he’s shown that he can also be an offensive threat.
Our 76ers vs. Celtics predictions like Philly’s forward to produce, and my NBA picks are taking Oubre to go Over a short points prop Saturday.
76ers vs Celtics prediction
76ers vs Celtics best bet: Kelly Oubre Over 9.5 points (+100)
Defense is Kelly Oubre's calling card, but after a solid offensive start to the series, he disappeared in Games 4 and 5.
His usage is modest to begin with, yet dropped from 16.4% in the opening three games — scoring 10, 12, and 17 points respectively — to just 8.6% in Games 4 and 5. That resulted in a total of only six points on 2-for-11 combined shooting.
Oubre did find his way back into the offense in Game 6. His usage surged back to 17% and led to a 6-for-11 performance for 14 points.
Oubre was active off the ball and benefited from extra attention being thrown at Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Boston sent double teams at the 7-footer, opening up space in the dunker's spot for Oubre to cut to the rim. He was also able to get inside as a ball handler on high-screen action.
With Embiid serving as the biggest problem for the Boston Celtics defense, we could see Boston adjust its matchups and use Jayson Tatum on the Sixers center. That would leave bigger bodies like Neemias Queta or Nikola Vucevic to mind the 6-foot-8 Oubre.
From there, Oubre can face up and take those plodding players off the dribble or make them pay from outside, should those centers stay home.
His projections for Game 7 sit between 12.5 and 13 points. Oubre has scored 10 or more points in eight of his last 10 games and 11 of his last 16 outings since returning from an elbow injury at the end of March.
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76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay
The Sixers have found another gear on defense and have done an excellent job of keeping the Celtics away from the offensive glass, limiting Boston to one bad shot per possession. The Celtics refuse to adjust their offensive approach and that will keep this closer than oddsmakers expect.
Joel Embiid has been a game-changer against a soft Boston interior. The Celtics are having to throw extra bodies at the 76ers' big man, and he’s done a great job hitting cutters and finding shooters on kickouts. He's dished out 22 total assists on 30 potential assists the past three games.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
- 76ers +7.5
- Kelly Oubre Over 9.5 points
- Joel Embiid Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Oubre is A-OK
Kelly Oubre is one of the best two-way players in this series. He’s projected for as many as 13 points and seven rebounds in Game 7. He's swatted at least one shot in three of the past four games, including two blocks in Game 6. If Philly is going to cover this spread, Oubre will have a big part in it.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
- 76ers +7.5
- Kelly Oubre Over 9.5 points
- Kelly Oubre Over 5.5 rebounds
- Kelly Oubre Over 0.5 blocks
76ers vs Celtics odds for Game 7
- Spread: 76ers +7.5 | Celtics -7.5
- Moneyline: 76ers +235 | Celtics -290
- Over/Under: Over 206.5 | Under 206.5
76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Philadelphia 76ers have produced a 16-27 Over/Under record (63% Unders) as underdogs this season, including an 8-15 O/U mark when getting six points or more. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 7
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Saturday, May 2, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
76ers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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