Boston Celtics fans are hoping for a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals because that would mean that the team kept its season alive on Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philly stole Game 1 and 5 in Boston to take a 3-2 series lead, but it finds itself as a short underdog in the latest odds for Game 6.
Why? Well, the Celtics have been in this spot before. Just last season, Boston lost Game 5 at home against the Milwaukee Bucks, only to turn things around and win the series in seven games.
The Celtics have been here before 👀 pic.twitter.com/7PJgHFDJ5B
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 10, 2023
So, how should bettors approach this Game 6 matchup? Here are the latest odds and my best bet for Thursday:
Celtics vs. Sixers odds, spread and total
Celtics vs. Sixers prediction and pick
For Celtics fans, there is one positive in losing Game 5: Doc Rivers is notorious for blowing playoff series leads in his coaching career.
Casual reminder: Doc Rivers has the most blown series leads by any coach in NBA history.
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) May 10, 2023
2003: 3-1
2005: 1-0
2009: 3-2
2010: 3-2
2012: 3-2
2014: 1-0
2015: 3-1
2016: 2-0
2017: 2-1
2020: 3-1
2021: 2-1
Unfortunately for Joe Mazzulla, none came against a rookie head coach.
Philly looked dominant in Game 5, but the team’s other two wins came when James Harden scored 40+ points, and the team still only won those two matchups by a combined five points.
I think Boston is the better team, as I have all series, and I expect the team to get this series back to TD Garden for a Game 7.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both haven’t had it going in the same game since Game 4, and the Celtics are due to get more from one of Derrick White or Al Horford.
Game 5 was the peak of what Philly can do with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid both scoring over 30 points, but there’s a reason oddsmakers have the Celtics favored again in Philly.
Take Boston to win and buckle up for a Game 7.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.