Celtics vs. 76ers Line at Philadelphia -2: NBA Playoffs Game 3

Carrie Stroup here with your Celtics vs. 76ers line coming in at Philadelphia -2 for Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs.  You can bet all NBA games here at Sportsbook and qualify for up to $250 in FREE CASH upon joining. 

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Philadelphia -2 & 172.5

Opening Line & Total: 76ers -2 & 172.5

After each team beat their opponent by one point to start the series, the Celtics and 76ers travel to Philadelphia for Wednesday’s Game 3.

Monday’s Game 2 was all about defense, as the Celtics trailed 57-49 entering the fourth quarter before erasing that eight-point deficit. But the Sixers, who blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1, were able to hold on by making 6-of-6 free throws down the stretch to win 82-81. The series now shifts to Philadelphia where Boston had won seven straight times before losing its past three meetings, including both games this year in blowout fashion (103-71 and 99-86). However, not only is Boston 8-0 ATS off an upset loss to a division rival as a favorite in the past three seasons, but Philly is 15-32 ATS (31.9%) as a home favorite of six points or less in this same three-season span.

Philadelphia was outrebounded 47-36 in Game 2, but had more offensive boards (11) than Boston (6). Many of the other stats were very even, as both teams had six blocks, the Celtics had one more turnover (17-16) and one more steal (11-10), and both teams shot poorly (PHI: 40.8% FG, BOS: 41.8% FG). But the 76ers amassed just 13 personal fouls for the entire game as the Celtics attempted just nine free throws.

Boston has played stingy defense in the 2012 playoffs (83.2 PPG on 40.7% FG), but the C’s are just 16-20 (18-18 ATS) on the road this season. They are an underwhelming 16-13 (13-16 ATS) following an SU loss this season. After making just 2-of-18 threes in Game 1, Boston knocked down 8-of-18 (44.4%) from downtown on Monday, which was a better rate than its shooting from inside the arc (41.0%). PF Kevin Garnett is having a huge series with 22.0 PPG and 11.5 RPG, and although PG Rajon Rondo hasn’t shot well (10.5 PPG on 37% FG), his other numbers have been incredible: 15.0 APG, 9.5 RPG and 3.0 SPG. After committing seven turnovers in Game 1, Rondo had just one miscue on Monday. SF Paul Pierce still appears to be affected by his sprained knee, as he’s averaging just 10.5 PPG on 25% FG in this series. But he has contributed in other areas with 5.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, four steals and three blocks. SG Avery Bradley aggravated his left shoulder injury in Game 2, but was able to return to the game. He posted a team-best +18 rating, despite a second straight game with just one assist and two turnovers. PF Brandon Bass has had a rough series with 11.0 PPG on 9-of-24 FG (37.5%) and just 4.5 RPG. SG Ray Allen led Boston with 17 points in Game 2, and also pitched in four rebounds and three steals.

The 76ers are a strong home team at 22-14 (19-17 ATS), and have allowed a meager 85.1 PPG on 41.2% FG at Wells Fargo Center this season. And in their past six games, they have surrendered just 80.7 PPG on 38.4% FG. Philadelphia is also a solid 25-18 (23-20 ATS) with one day of rest this season, but is an average team following an SU win (20-19 SU and ATS).

76ers PG Jrue Holiday struggled in Game 1 (8 points, 3-of-13 FG), but he poured in a game-high 18 points in Game 2, knocking down 4-of-6 threes. But the team’s other point guard, Lou Williams, had another poor shooting performance at 3-of-13 FG, making him 7-for-24 (29%) in the series so far. Williams, who was the team’s top scorer during the regular season (14.9 PPG), was able to grab seven rebounds though and post a +17 rating. Another reserve, PF Lavoy Allen, had a strong game with 10 points, eight rebounds, two steals, two blocks and a game-high +21 rating. After playing only 15.8 MPG in the first round, Allen has logged 25.0 MPG against Boston, averaging 11.0 PPG (64.3% FG) and 7.0 RPG. In terms of the frontcourt, SF Andre Iguodala finished with 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while C Spencer Hawes scored eight points with 10 boards. Starting PF Elton Brand continues to be a non-factor with just 5.5 PPG and 2.5 RPG in 16.5 MPG during this series. His neck injury has certainly contributed to his lackluster performance.

• Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter