NBA Basketball BETTING PREVIEW - Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers

NBA Basketball

2026-04-24 - Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers

A Sports Betting Preview by FirstDown

Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers
United States : NBA Basketball Playoffs First Round Game 3
Friday 24th April 2026 - Scheduled 7pm EST
12am (British Time)

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Preview

There has been some roster upheaval at the Boston Celtics, but there are also plenty of players still wearing this famous green uniform who will understand the current situation. Losing Game 2 at home is not ideal, but the Celtics have laid a few bad eggs in the early Rounds of recent Playoff pushes and that has rarely knocked them off their stride for too long.

Game 2 was about as bad as it could be after a strong start- the Boston Celtics shot poorly throughout the night and failed to show the required intensity on the Defensive side of the court. A defeat is going to just refocus the players and the Celtics remain a big favourite in this Series, which is not that surprising.

Of course the challenge for the Celtics is going out on the road and coming out with much greater desire than they showed at times in Game 2.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown put up strong numbers, but the supporting cast did not play well and the 13-50 showing from three point range is not going to win a lot of games. They were 16-44 from that distance in the Game 1 blowout and Boston will be looking for those around Tatum and Brown to find their rhythm very quickly.

The Series has been dictated by the three point shooting so far with the drop off produced by the Boston Celtics coming at the same time that the Philadelphia 76ers found a big improvement. The 76ers went from 4-23 from three point range in Game 1 to 19-39 in Game 2 and there is no doubt that made a big difference.

VJ Edgecombe really came out in Game 2 to make an early statement and he did that, but backing up that performance will be key. We know Tyrese Maxey is going to have decent numbers and Paul George is still very capable, but the rookie Edgecombe has to take over from where Joel Embiid might have been important for Philadelphia and the 76ers will only have a chance if he produces more Game 2 style efforts.

Speaking of Joel Embiid, he looks to be getting closer to a return which would be an emotional boost for the 76ers if nothing else.

Game 3 feels a big chance for the 76ers to show they can push this Series for long enough to have Embiid return, but the punch in the face taken by the Boston Celtics should also refocus the Number 2 Seed.

In recent history, Boston have dropped some home games in the post-season and responded very well and you have to believe this experienced group will be able to do the same. The expectations is that the 76ers cannot shoot as well from three point range again, while Boston cannot be much worse, and the layers still believe in the Celtics judging by the spread set.

Bouncing back from blowout defeats have proven tough in the First Round of the Playoffs, but Philadelphia showed it can happen and so Boston should believe they can do the same.

The Celtics are a big road favourite, but those asked to lay at least 4.5 points in the First Round have a 40-23-1 record against the spread (although 0-2 this season thanks to the Houston Rockets).

Game 3 road favourites of at least 4.5 points are 13-9-1 against the spread and a Number 2 Seed following a First Round Playoff defeat are 22-6 against the spread in the next game played.

It is a big number and especially dangerous if Philadelphia come out shooting as they were in Game 2, but the expectation is that the Boston Celtics will remind everyone that they remain the stronger team in the Series.

Prediction

Lay the points with the road favourite as the Number 2 Seed bids to recover home court in this First Round Series.

The Pick :

Philadelphia 76ers 101-111 Boston Celtics

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Boston Celtics - 7 Points at -110 with Bovada