James Harden went supernova in Game 1. Will he go off again in Game 2 to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 2-0 series lead? Or, will the Boston Celtics get it together and avoid falling down a 2-0 hole?
Catch this game live on Thursday, May 4, at 8 AM, Manila time
Away: Philadelphia 76ers (1-0)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: James Harden
- SG: Tyrese Maxey
- SF: Tobias Harris
- PF: P.J. Tucker
- C: Joel Embiid (doubtful)
With James Harden taking over, the Sixers were able to steal a win in Boston in Game 1, 119-115. Harden had a huge throwback performance, scoring 45 points on 17/30 shooting from the field while also adding six assists and two steals in 39 minutes. The Sixers might need something close to that kind of explosion again in Game 2, as freshly minted league MVP Joel Embiid is still considered doubtful with a sprained right LCL. (Note: Embiid just announced that he’ll be back for the game.)
With Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris still around, Harden can still enjoy ample support this Thursday. Paul Reed also wasn’t too shabby when he got a spot start in the series opener in lieu of Embiid, as he netted 10 points and 13 rebounds with a plus-8 in 37 minutes. The Sixers have won against the spread in six of their last seven outings.
Home: Boston Celtics (0-1)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Marcus Smart (questionable)
- SG: Derrick White
- SF: Jaylen Brown
- PF: Jayson Tatum
- C: Al Horford
The Celtics let Game 1 get away from them. They only have themselves to blame for that loss, in part because of the turnovers they committed. They gave the ball away a total of 16 times, and once again, Marcus Smart was the major culprit with six of those turnovers. Speaking of Smart, he is questionable with a chest contusion, but it’s something that he could live with on the court, given that it’s the playoffs.
Boston had a sizzling start to Game 1 and despite the loss, the Celtics still shot nearly 60 percent from the field in that contest. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had 39 and 23 points, respectively, while Malcolm Brogdon came off the bench and fired 20 points. The Celtic, who are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games versus a team with a winning record, have both shown the tendency to fumble won games and bounce back right away in this postseason.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Celtics (-7.5) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total (217.0) hits the Over.