The scene shifts to Philadelphia for game 3 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 pm start time and it will be televised live on TNT. Currently the odds have Philadelphia favored by 2 points with the total sitting at 172 points for the contest.
Free Analysis: After each team beat their opponent by one point to start the series, the Celtics and 76ers head to Philadelphia for Wednesday’s Game 3. Boston is just 16-20 (18-18 ATS) on the road this season, plus they are an underwhelming 16-13 (13-16 ATS) following an SU loss this season. 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 Ray Allen led Boston with 17 points in Game 2, and also pitched in four rebounds and three steals, while SG Avery Bradley aggravated his left shoulder injury in Game 2, but was able to return to the game. 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%). 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. Another reserve, PF Lavoy Allen, had a strong game with 10 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. 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. The Sixers won by 32 and 13 points at hone vs Boston this year.
Free Pick: Gotta love taking an Under in a Sixers home game. Philly home games have gone 25-11 UNDER on the year, with an average of 177.1 ppg being scored in those games. All 3 Sixers home games vs the Bulls went Under the total, with an average of just 160.3 ppg being scored. Philly has played great defense all year, especially at home where they have allowed just 85.1 ppg, while they have allowed just 80.3 ppg in their last 6 games overall. Boston has all it's parts on the floor, but Pierce and Allen are hurting so they are not at 100% and that makes it tough for this team to get out and run, so they are really relying on their defense right now and it has been good as well, as they have allowed just 88.76 ppg on the year, including allowing just 80.6 ppg in their last 10 games overall. This whole series will be a defensive battle as both teams have been known for their defense more than their offense this year. Philly has been a haven for low scoring games this year and their is another one in the offing tonight.
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Betting Strategies: Handicapping NBA Playoffs
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