2020 NBA Playoffs – 76ers vs. Celtics Game 1 Betting Preview, Odds and Predictions

At the onset of the NBA bubble was the belief that the 76ers could be a surprise team. More than a few gamblers were fitting Philadelphia for Cinderella slippers. A season-ending knee injury to Ben Simmons ruined those dreams. Simmons absence has killed off whatever NBA betting appeal that the 76ers had. Counter to that is a Celtics team that made big money during the regular season. Boston’s combination of strong defense and effort made them consistently profitable. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder showed similar money-making ability. Boston and Philadelphia open their playoff series Monday.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics CashBet Wagering Analysis

 On this occasion the Celtics will be a strong and consistent online sportsbook favorite. Philadelphia was a major disappointment at the bubble. Ben Simmons absence is seen as a deal breaker with many gamblers. Boston’s consistency makes bettors much more comfortable. Specifically, this reliability is a rare sports gambling quality. Boston’s trio of Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown carries more credibility with the public. Joel Embiid is the one 76ers star that casual fans know of. Still, that won’t be enough to draw wagering support to Philadelphia. Oddsmakers will bake all of this into the cake.

Philadelphia in the Red and Likely Dead

Overall, the 76ers finished with a record of 43-30 straight up and 31-38-4 against the spread. Only 33 of their games stayed under the betting on NBA total. NBA metrics show Philadelphia 20^th for scoring offense and sixth for points allowed. Concurrently those offensive numbers should be worse with Simmons out of the lineup. Philadelphia got the money in just three of their last eight games. Seven of their last 10 went over the total. The betting value was dragged the entire season. Namely, Simmons and Embiid missed significant stretches with injures. Public expectations were rarely met.

Joel Embiid tops Philly with 23.0 points 11.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing.

Celtic Green Makes Gamblers Money as Expectations Raise

 Boston has a Betting on basketball record of 48-24 straight up and 41-27-4 vs. the odds. While over the total hit only 34 times. NBA metrics have the Celtics ninth for scoring and second for points allowed. Offensively Boston exceeded assumptions on their ability. Late results show the Celtics covering three of their last five games. Just two of their last six went over the total. Of major concern was once the departure of Kyrie Irving. Coach Brad Stevens turned that into a positive one. To illustrate he went back to his former formula of team basketball.

Jason Tatum leads Boston with 23.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics Handicapping Trends

Philadelphia has covered three of their last four meetings with Boston. And has won four of the last five meetings straight up. Four of the last six between these teams stayed under the total. By contrast, the Celtics have covered five of their last seven as chalk to the Sixers. Nine of the last 12 in this matchup went over when Boston was favored. Of great concern is Boston’s recent mark of 3-5-2 vs. the odds as chalk. Only one of their last six as favorites have gone under the total. To show the 76ers have paid in four of their last seven as dogs. Six of their last seven have gone over when getting points.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics CashBet Free Pick

In this situation, the 76ers will likely offer contrarian Basketball betting value. As mentioned earlier the Celtics have struggled as favorites. And the 76ers have had the better of this head to head series. Game one hype will be over the top for Boston. Fanboys will react. Fading the squares with the 76ers makes the most sense.

76ers vs. Celtics CashBet Best Bet: Philadelphia 76ers