| MATCHUP | Philadelphia 76ers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 45-37 | 56-26 |
| Spread | +13.5 -110 | -13.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +575 | -850 |
| Total | Over 216.5 (-110) | Under 216.5 (-110) |
| Where | TD Garden, Boston, MA | |
| When | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | Peacock | |
Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers were hoping to spring a major upset in Game 1, but they got off to a slow start and never looked likely in a 123-91 defeat last night. Tyrese Maxey led the team in scoring with 21 points and eight assists, Paul George added 17 points while VJ Edgecombe chipped in with 13 points. As a team, the 76ers shot 39 percent from the field and a miserable four of 23 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrible start and scored just 18 points in the first quarter to trail by 18 points at halftime and things only got worse in the second half as the 76ers just couldn’t stop the bleeding. The 76ers got next to nothing from their reserves as no bench player scored more than seven points but it was the 3-point shooting that really hurt them from the start.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics were heading into the NBA Playoffs with plenty of confidence and they sure looked good in their dominant win over the 76ers in Game 1. Jaylen Brown led the team with 26 points on 11 of 21 shooting, Jayson Tatum tallied 25 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists while Payton Pritchard chipped in with 12 points and six assists off the bench. As a team, the Celtics shot a healthy 50 percent from the field and 16 of 44 from the 3-point line, but this win was more about their defense as they were always in control after restricting the 76ers to just 18 points in the first quarter. The Celtics were good enough to capitalize on a strong start with Tatum scoring 21 of his 25 points in the first half and they just kept their foot on the gas to keep building on the lead right to the final buzzer.
Philadelphia v Boston Free Prediction
The 76ers are still shorthanded with Joel Embiid ruled out again, while the Celtics expect to have a full squad once again. The 76ers will be disappointed with their effort in the series opener as they really didn’t give themselves a chance after such a poor start and they couldn’t even go on a run once the game went into garbage time. There’s always a chance of a letdown performance after such an easy win, but I just don’t think the 76ers have enough firepower to challenge the Celtics in their own building. The Celtics are much heavier favorites for Game 2 and I think it’s fully warranted for this matchup as the 76ers need a monster game from George or Maxey to even stand a chance of hanging in this one. The line is hefty, but I will stick with the Celtics to stay hot with another win and cover to take a 2-0 series lead.