The Boston Celtics will look to take a 3-1 lead in their best of seven series with the Philadelphia 76ers as the two division rivals square off in a Game 4 battle at the Wells Fargo Center tonight. Start time in the pivotal contest is scheduled for 8:00pm ET; the game will be broadcast live on ESPN. The latest NBA Playoffs Spread has the hosting Sixers listed as a -2 against the spread and -130 moneyline favorite. Tonight’s Over/Under is set at 174 points with both drawing -110 odds.
The Celtics looked sloppy and inept in their Game 2 meeting with the 76ers, shooting 41.8 percent from the field and committing 17 turnovers in a contest they were favored to win by 4.5 points. The performance allowed the 76ers to steal a coveted series road win (82-81) and head back to Philly with their heads high.
The roles were reversed on Wednesday night, though, with Boston trouncing Philadelphia 107-91 at the Wells Fargo Center to take a 2-1 series lead. The Celtics looked as though they had discovered the Fountain of Youth on their off day as they connected on 40-of -77 from the field (51.9 percent) and won the battle of the boards 44 to 37. Boston also earned 28 free throw attempts after garnering just nine in their Game 2 setback.
Paul Pierce, who scored seven points in Monday’s loss, finished the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds. He was one of three Celtics to finish with a double-double as Kevin Garnett recorded 27 points and 13 boards and Rajon Rondo tallied 23 points and 14 assists.
Philadelphia got a great offensive effort from it bench in the loss with Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young, and Jodie Meeks all scoring in double figures. But the team’s starting five managed to put just 36 points on the scoreboard.
Wednesday’s game represented the Celtics third win in their last four meetings with the 76ers, but it was their first win at the Wells Fargo Center since December of 2010.
Free Pick: Defensively the Sixers have no answer for Garnett and Brandon Bass’ ability to drag defenders out to the perimeter frees up penetration lanes for Rondo as well as space for the big man to operate down low. With Miami suddenly flagging, the Celtics may find something a little extra for this series as they eye a possible return to the NBA Finals. With that in mind, I think they will avoid the kind of collapse they experienced in Game 2. Yes, Philly will give its best as well knowing a 1-3 hole is difficult, if not impossible, to crawl out of; however, there are too many match-up problems for the Sixers to overcome when Boston comes prepared to play. Take the Celtics, who are 8-1 against the spread (6-3 straight up) in their last nine games as a road dog with total between 170 and 175.
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