The Philadelphia 76ers are “shipping up to Boston” but could be shipping out to Cancun if they can’t survive Game 5.
The Boston Celtics hold a 3-1 series edge, but my 76ers vs. Celtics SGP expects Philly to go down swinging on April 28.
Be sure to also read my full 76ers vs. Celtics predictions for more NBA picks.
Our best 76ers vs Celtics SGP for Game 5
SGP leg #1: 76ers +11.5
Do I think the Philadelphia 76ers can stave off elimination? Not really. But I do see the 11.5-point spread as something they can manage? Yeah.
With Joel Embiid shaking off the rust, he can help the 76ers fight the Boston Celtics off the offensive glass, which will cut down on second-chance points that buried them in Game 4.
Embiid returning to form also gives Philly an inside-out attack that was sorely lacking with Adem Bona and Andre Drummond down low.
SGP leg #2: Joel Embiid Over 8.5 rebounds
Speaking of the big man, he grabbed 10 rebounds on 21 rebounding chances in his Game 4 return. With the Sixers putting in an extra effort to box out Boston, I like Philadelphia's center to snatch up nine or more rebounds, and so do game projections.
Current models are hovering around 10.4 rebounds for Embiid, which is more than enough for him to cash this leg of the SGP.
SGP leg #3: Paul George Over 3.5 threes
Paul George has taken a step back in this offense, especially with Embiid returning. He does still pose a threat from distance, and with Embiid packing the paint, PG finds extra space on his 3-pointers.
George finished 3-for-3 from 3-point land in Game 4 and made four triples in Game 3. Game script has Philly fighting from behind, prompting plenty of 3PAs from PG.
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