Many people think of the series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics as the true Eastern Conference Final, so it’s only fitting that it goes the distance and concludes with Game 7 in Boston on Sunday.
The Celtics were facing elimination in Game 6, but Marcus Smart’s 22-point performance led them to a 95-86 victory in Philadelphia.
Will Joel Embiid and company finally get over the hump in Game 7?
Let’s dive into what the odds makers think.
76ers vs. Celtics Odds, Spread, and Overall
76ers vs celtics prediction and selection
The 76ers had a chance to finish the series at home, but now they have to try to make it happen in Boston in win-or-go-home mode. If history is any indication, this is not a good sign for the Sixers.
Doc Rivers is 17-32 in games as his team can clinch the series. His 32 defeats in his shutout streak is the most by any coach in NBA history.
He’s also 0-9 in these situations when trying to reach the Conference Finals dating back to 2015.
So, what makes this year different? In my opinion, nothing. If the 76ers were up against an inferior opponent than I can be convinced would break this streak, but the Celtics are formidable.
They outperformed the 76ers this season in effective field goal percentage, defensive efficiency, and rebounding. They were the better team in almost every aspect of the game, and now they can play this pivotal game in front of their home fans.
I’m going to take the Celtics to not only win, but cover the gap in the must-watch Game 7 on Sunday.
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The game odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.