How Joel Embiid’s Injury Affects the Celtics/76ers Spread

Joel Embiid’s Injury Analysis and Impact on Series: Celtics vs 76ers

Joel Embiid’s knee injury has him listed as doubtful for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between Boston and Philadelphia at TD Garden. Embiid’s injury has already moved the moneyline, point spread, and total. It has helped the Celtics and decreased the total, especially because Embiid scored 52 points in a two-point victory over Boston on April 4. Here are how the odds have been affected:

Moneyline:  Celtics (moved from -275 to -400)

76ers (moved from +225 to +310)

Spread: Celtics moved from -7.5 to -9.5 (-105)

76ers moved from +7.5 to +9.5 (-115)

Total: moved from Over 215.5 to 213.5 (-110)

moved from Under 215.5 to 213.5 (-110)

Joel Embiid’s knee injury is ‘considered to be more serious’ than a Grade 1 LCL sprain, per @ShamsCharania

His status for Game 1 remains doubtful vs. Celtics pic.twitter.com/I9xbCHUn1C

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 29, 2023

All lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Futures

NBA Championship (April 29):  Celtics (+150)

76ers (+700)

NBA Championship (April 21):  Celtics (+280)

76ers (+850)

NBA Championship (April 3):  Celtics (+320)

76ers (+1000)

Picks and Predictions for the Celtics vs 76ersCeltics -9.5 (-105)

The Celtics being the favorite since the Milwaukee Bucks were bounced out of the 2023 NBA postseason, and it has been reflected in the championship odds. Boston is expected to take the Eastern Conference, and it seems like the Celtics’ biggest hurdle will be the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Boston has dominated Philadelphia recently, and without Embiid, the Celtics will be able to feast inside. The 76ers will have to rely on a lot of outside shooting for the contest, and if their 3-pointers are not falling, it could be a difficult day for the 76ers. Although the 76ers were 11-5 without Embiid this season, this should be a double-digit win for Boston if the Philly superstar does not play. If Embiid misses Game 1, Philadelphia fans have to hope he rests up and gets back for Game 2.

Updated Final Game Prediction, Celtics vs. 76ers

Celtics -9.5