Many people believe the series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtic is the true Eastern Conference Final, so it’s only fitting that it’s going the distance and will conclude with a Game 7 in Boston on Sunday.
The Celtics were facing elimination in Game 6, but a 22 point performance by Marcus Smart 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 oddsmakers think.
76ers vs. Celtics odds, spread, and total
76ers vs. Celtics prediction and pick
The 76ers had their chance to close out the series at home, but now they have to try to get it done in Boston a win-or-go-home situation. If history is any indicator, that’s not a good sign for the Sixers.
Doc Rivers is 17-32 in games where his team can clinch the series. His 32 losses in series clinching scenarios is the most by any coach in NBA history.
He’s also 0-9 in these situations when he’s been trying to make it to the conference final dating back to 2015.
So, what makes this year any different? In my opinion, nothing. If the 76ers were facing an inferior opponent than I could be convinced he’s going to break this streak, but the Celtics are formidable.
They outranked the 76ers this season in effective field goal percentage, defensive efficiency, and rebounding. They have been the better team in almost every facet of the game, and now they get to play this pivotal game in front of their home crowd.
I’ll take the Celtics to not only win, but cover the spread in Sunday’s must-watch Game 7.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.