Basketball

Is Joel Embiid Playing? 76ers vs. Celtics Game 3 Playoff Preview, Odds & Predictions

Is Joel Embiid Playing? Embiid is listed as questionable however is predicted to play for the 76ers who host the Celtics for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round. The recreation is predicted to tip-off at 7:30 PM ET, Friday, May fifth, 2023.

Given the blowout efficiency in Game 2, it’s no shock the Celtics are nonetheless a 2 level favourite on the street, with many anticipating them to hold on their momentum from Game 2.

MATCH PREVIEW

In the absence of Embiid, the 76ers gained the primary recreation of their Eastern Conference semifinal sequence, however struggled in his return for Game 2. Now, with Embiid again within the lineup, the 76ers are in search of a greater efficiency in Game 3 in opposition to the Celtics.

Embiid performed for 27 minutes, scored 15 factors, and blocked 5 pictures in Wednesday’s 121-87 loss to the Celtics. This was Embiid’s first recreation since his damage in Game 3 of the first-round sequence in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets.

He sat out the clinching recreation of the sequence sweep and Game 1 of this sequence, which the 76ers gained 119-115. Although disillusioned by the loss, Embiid felt good to be again and is taking it as a step towards getting again to his normal self.

The 76ers struggled with their 3-point capturing in Game 2, making solely 6 of 30 makes an attempt after hitting 17 pictures from past the arc within the sequence opener. Meanwhile, James Harden had a poor capturing night time, making simply 2 of 14 pictures and lacking all six of his makes an attempt from 3-point vary after sinking seven 3-pointers within the sequence opener.

Jaylen Brown had no such points, scoring 25 factors, together with 13 of Boston’s first 18 factors. Malcolm Brogdon additionally had a robust recreation off the bench for the Celtics, sinking six 3-pointers on his technique to 23 factors.

Boston took management of the sport within the third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 35-16, and finally gained 128-101, night the sequence at one recreation apiece. The Celtics restricted their turnovers to seven after committing 16 within the sequence opener, which was a key issue of their victory.

Jayson Tatum struggled in Game 2, ending with simply seven factors in 19 minutes attributable to early foul bother. However, together with his spectacular regular-season stats in thoughts, he’s anticipated to bounce again in Game 3. Both groups are trying ahead to the problem of taking part in in a hostile atmosphere, with Brown saying they need to all be excited to embrace it.

ODDS AND PREDICTIONS

Despite having 4 gamers averaging over 18 factors per recreation within the postseason, nobody on the Philadelphia roster scored greater than 16 factors in Game 2. However, that is unlikely to occur once more, particularly on their house courtroom.

Embiid is predicted to return to kind in Game 3, as he has been taking part in properly beneath his season averages. With his measurement benefit inside, the MVP can reap the benefits of the 6’9 Al Horford and Robert Williams III, who has solely been taking part in 22.3 minutes per recreation this postseason.

Embiid’s offensive engagement may even create extra alternatives for Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris. Harris has been performing properly this postseason, averaging 19.2 factors per recreation as a fourth offensive choice.

The 76ers have gained their house playoff video games in opposition to Brooklyn by a mean of 16 factors, and its anticipated to be the same end result on this recreation. Expect Philadelphia to bounce again on this sequence that might doubtlessly go to seven video games.

Therefore, taking Philadelphia with the small line at house is the really helpful selection. But keep in mind, it’s vital to understand that sports activities betting all the time includes a level of threat, and there’s no assure that the 76ers gained’t develop into reliant on a MVP caliber efficiency from Embiid to win this recreation. As all the time, it’s important to do your analysis and make an knowledgeable resolution primarily based on the out there knowledge.

Spread: Celtics -2

Moneyline: Celtics -130, 76ers +110

Pick: 76ers +2

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