Series Recap and Pregame Analysis: Celtics vs. 76ers
James Harden bounced back and helped even the series at 2-2. The Celtics return home to TD Garden to attempt to wrestle back the series in their favor. Boston continued to struggle in overtime games, as 76ers fans cheered when Marcus Smart’s shot came just after the buzzer.
🏀 FINAL SCORE THREAD 🏀
James Harden erupts for 42 points and the game-winning three as the @sixers even the series at 2-2!
Joel Embiid: 34 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST
Jayson Tatum: 24 PTS, 18 REB, 6 AST, 4 BLKGame 5: Tuesday, 7:30pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/gxrBKFamPP
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2023
The Celtics played an eight-player rotation, and six players were north of 30 minutes. Boston’s offense improved throughout the game, and Jayson Tatum (24 points) had some timely shots. Unfortunately, Jaylen Brown’s defense was limited, as he had two early fouls. Marcus Smart (21 points) was the team’s third-leading scorer, but he will be remembered for his misses.
James Harden had some very impressive shots in clutch time, and the Celtics were unable to respond. Boston did not call timeouts either at the end of the fourth quarter or at the end of overtime. Many people questioned why Joe Mazzulla did not call a timeout near the end of Sunday’s game. His response was the following:
“Hindsight is 20/20, I should have called (a timeout at end of OT) to help us get a 2-for-1 or get a couple more possessions. Obviously, 14 seconds left, down 1, you want as many chances as you can. So, definitely learn from that.”
Now, how will Boston respond? The Celtics have not been as strong at home as they have been on the road recently. In the 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Boston lost Game 5 at home. Then the Jaysom Tatum-led Celtics bounced back to win Game 6 in Milwaukee and Game 7 at home. What will happen this time around?
All lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM
Betting Info for Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Moneyline: Celtics (-300)
76ers (+240)
Spread: Celtics -7.5 (-110)
76ers +7.5 (-110)
Total: Over 213.5 (-110)
Under 213.5 (-110)
Picks and Predictions for the Celtics vs. 76ers
Celtics -7.5 (-110)
The Celtics have the best roster in the 2023 NBA postseason, but they have not played like it. With Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon coming off the bench, the Celtics are supposed to have consistent scoring and defense. However, Boston’s inconsistency has instilled some doubt in the basketball world. Can Boston bounce back in Game 5?
It will begin on the defensive end, as the Celtics were fine in the final three quarters in terms of offense. Will Joe Mazzulla find a better defensive-minded rotation for Game 5? The answer is likely yes, and Boston will bounce back successfully.
Final Game Prediction, Celtics vs. 76ers
Celtics -7.5
