Filip Tomic
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It’s a huge game at TD Garden tonight as the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers start off their Eastern Conference semi finals series. Tip-off is live at 7.30 pm on TNT, I’ve prepared a Same Game Parlay which you can find below.
Be sure to also visit our NBA Predictions page for picks on the side and total for Game 2 of Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets. Let’s dive into my SGP bet now.
Over 213.5 (-110)
Derrick White Over 13.5 points (-113)
Tobias Harris 20+ points (+165)
Same Game Parlay odds: +643
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Over 213.5 (-110)
The Celtics defense in the opening round against Atlanta looked nothing like the one we saw during the regular season. Whether that was due to the Hawks’ style of play or something else remains to be seen, but for the series opener I believe we could be in for a higher-scoring game. Joel Embiid potentially not playing will force Philadelphia to play small and increase the tempo, and we saw how Boston struggled with that against the Hawks. Tyrese Maxey could potentially thrive in that scenario, as I don’t think anyone on the Cs roster will be able to match his speed. James Harden also didn’t have the best of scoring rounds against Brooklyn, but he is still a capable facilitator and can hit the 3-ball when needed. Embiid’s absence exposes the paint for Boston to attack, and in their last 3 games against Atlanta the Celtics averaged 56.7 points per game on the inside, which would rank 2nd in the NBA this season. I’ll take the over in Game 1.
Check our Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Predictions
Derrick White Over 13.5 points (-113)
Derrick White had himself a really solid series against the Atlanta Hawks averaging 17.3 points per game in 6 games played. That’s up from 12.5 per game he averaged during the regular season. His efficiency also went up across the board – he shot 55.7% from the field, 45.7% from three and also knocked down over 90% of his free throw attempts. He cleared the 14 point line in 4 of those 6 games played and most importantly he scored over 20 in Games 1 and 2 which gave the Celtics extra security they needed early in the series. Trae Young was his primary defender in that series, that’s part of the reason why he was so successful. Now he goes up against James Harden and although he won’t be able to match his physicality, White should still have the upper edge in speed over Harden. During the regular season he averaged 16.3 points per game vs Philadelphia and shot over 58% from the field and 45% from three. After scoring only 2 points against them back on opening night, White has put up 19, 18 and 26 in the last 3 meetings.
Tobias Harris 20+ Points (+165)
Tobias Harris lifted the Sixers over the Brooklyn Nets in the first round averaging 20.3 points per game, cashing on the 20 point line 3 times. In the all important Game 4 when Embiid went out he came up big with 25 on 11-for-19 from the field, exuding confidence on offense no matter if it was Mikal Bridges or someone else on the Nets guarding him. Philly will need a lift in Game 1 if Embiid doesn’t play, the latest info tells us he is doubtful with a sprained knee. Harris has played in 14 games this season with the big fella out of the line-up and has averaged 18.8 points per game while shooting better than 50% from the field. Matching up with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum won’t be easy, but if the Sixers push the tempo here Harris can get a few easy baskets. I think he has it in himself to score 20 in the series opener.
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