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Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game Tonight: Celtics vs 76ers Injury Report, Starting Lineup, Predictions, TV Channel for May 3

By Andrew Hughes

The Boston Celtics take on the 76ers for Game 2 at the TD Garden -- and Hardwood Houdini has your injury report, lineups, TV channel, and predictions Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics take on the 76ers for Game 2 at the TD Garden -- and Hardwood Houdini has your injury report, lineups, TV channel, and predictions Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics face their most critical test since last year’s NBA Finals on May 3 as they battle the Sixers with the possibility of going down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals’ No. 2-No. 3 matchup.

Game 2, just as Game 1 had, features a sizable spread in favor of the Cs. Following James Harden’s 45-point outburst, it’s clear that Boston has a problem with guards who can both slice through the defense to get good looks at the rim and knock down the 3-point ball given their struggles with Steph Curry last season.

Is covering a double-digit spread too much to ask of Boston when Philadelphia looked clearly like a team on their level during the series’ opening contest? Or will the Celtics finally deliver a complete performance that convinces the NBA-viewing public that Boston is the team to beat?

Wednesday, May 3. 18. Celtics -10. 54-28. 93. TNT. 57-25. 8 PM ET

Philadelphia 76ers: 3rd (ORtg), 8th (DRtg), 27th (Pace), 3rd (NRtg)

Boston Celtics: 2nd (ORtg), 2nd (DRtg), 20th (Pace), 1st (NRtg)

Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup

PG –Marcus Smart, SG – Derrick White, SF – Jaylen Brown,  PF – Jayson Tatum, C – Al Horford

Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starting Lineup

PG – James Harden, SG – Tyrese Maxey, SF – Tobias Harris, PF – P.J. Tucker, C – Paul Reed

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report

Celtics PF Danilo Gallinari (ACL) – Out

Celtics PG Marcus Smart (chest contusion) – Questionable

76ers C Joel Embiid (Grade 1 LCL sprain) – Questionable

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction

With Joel Embiid officially named the MVP, one would think that the vibes in the Philadelphia locker room would be immaculate and the Sixers would have little trouble covering the spread and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

Should Embiid suit up, it’s possible the momentum helps propel Philly to another upset win. The Houdini isn’t expecting it, though, instead foreseeing Harden’s numbers descend down to his playoff norm and Boston finally getting a momentum-building win.

Celtics 126 76ers 108

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