76ers vs Celtics Game 4 Prediction NBA Playoffs Picks 5/7
- Lm Tipster
- May 6, 2023, 7:45:02 AM
© Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Preview
As the NBA playoffs continue, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet in Game 4 of the East Semifinals. With Boston leading the series 2-1, the stakes are high, and both teams are looking to secure a win. Our NBA experts analyze each team's offense, defense, and injuries.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, ranking second in the Eastern Conference. Their offense is led by Jayson Tatum, who averaged 30.1 points per game (PPG) this season. Tatum's strong performance has continued into the playoffs, where he is averaging 31.7 PPG. The Celtics' other key players, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, have also been performing well, contributing 22.0 PPG and 14.8 PPG, respectively.
On the defensive end, the Celtics have been impressive, allowing only 104.7 points per game (PPG) this season. Their defense has been a significant factor in their success, and they will need to continue to perform at a high level in Game 4.
In terms of injuries, the Celtics are missing two key players: Danilo Gallinari and Blake Griffin. Gallinari has been out since May 4, while Griffin has been out since May 5. Although their absence is significant, the Celtics' deep roster should be able to compensate for their missing players.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers finished the regular season with a 54-28 record, ranking third in the Eastern Conference. Their offense is led by Joel Embiid, who averaged 33.1 PPG this season. Embiid's dominance has continued into the playoffs, where he is averaging 34.3 PPG. However, Embiid has been playing through a torn meniscus, which could impact his performance in Game 4.
The 76ers' other key players, Tobias Harris and James Harden, have also been contributing, averaging 18.7 PPG and 17.5 PPG, respectively.
On the defensive end, the 76ers have been solid, allowing only 108.1 PPG this season. However, they will need to improve their defense in Game 4 to secure a win.
Prediction
Based on my analysis, I predict that the Boston Celtics will win and cover the -2.5 point spread. Here's why:
Firstly, the Celtics have been playing at a high level in the playoffs, with Tatum leading the charge. Tatum's scoring ability has been unmatched, and he has shown that he can take over games. With Brown and Smart also contributing, the Celtics' offense is firing on all cylinders.
Secondly, the Celtics' defense has been impressive, and they have been able to limit the 76ers' offense in the past two games. With Embiid playing through an injury, the Celtics could take advantage and limit his effectiveness in Game 4.
Finally, the Celtics have a deep roster, which should allow them to compensate for the missing players. The 76ers, on the other hand, rely heavily on their key players, which could be a disadvantage if Embiid is not able to perform at his usual level due to his injury.
In terms of the point spread, the Celtics are favored by -2.5, which is a reasonable margin considering their recent performances. We expect the Celtics to come out strong and take control of the game early on, and the 76ers will have a tough time catching up. Although the 76ers have the home court advantage, we believe that the Celtics have what it takes to win on the road.
Overall, I predict that the Boston Celtics will win and cover the -2.5 point spread in Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Tatum leading the way and the Celtics' defense playing at a high level, we believe that they will be able to secure another win and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Pick: Celtics -2.5
