Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Game 4 Prediction and Odds: 2023 NBA Playoffs

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The 2023 NBA Playoffs are halfway through round 2 in each conference. In this preview, we look closely at the crucial for so many reasons game 4 in the series between the 76ers and the Celtics. We predicted this to be a close series and it had been so far. Can the 76ers revive their challenge?

Prediction 1

76ers to Score First Basket

4/6 (-150)

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Odds from

Prediction 2

Tucker Under 0.5 Turnovers

7/10 (-143)

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Odds from

These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics – Game Predictions

Contents

1 Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics – Game Predictions
- 1.1 Prediction 1: 76ers to Score First Basket
- 1.2 Prediction 2: P. J. Tucker Under 0.5 Turnovers
2 76ers vs Celtics Preview – Can the new MVP shift the tides?
3 Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Game Details

The first three games of this series showed that the Celtics have a clear game plan on how to deal with the 76ers when Embiid is on the court. Boston lost game 1 at home against an Embiid-less Sixers but then went on to record blowout wins in the next two clashes with the newly crowned MVP back playing and making the 76ers attack very predictable and easy to defend against. The big question for Doc Rivers and his Sixers now is whether can they make the right adjustments and win game 4 with their season on the line.

Prediction 1: 76ers to Score First Basket

Our first free betting tip backs the 76ers to score the first basket of the game. With Joel Embiid on the court winning the opening tip is pretty much a given. This will give the Sixers the first possessions and when this happened in games 2 and 3 they converted to take 2-0 leads. We can see this happening again now with the 76ers desperate to stay relevant in this series and expected to seek a quick start fed by what promises to be a raucous crowd.

Prediction 2: P. J. Tucker Under 0.5 Turnovers

Our next 76ers vs Celtics prediction focuses on a player’s prop. We back the 76ers defensive specialist P.J. Tucker to avoid covering his turnovers spread. Tucker is not getting many touches in attack as his main tasks are on the defensive end. In game 1 of this series, Tucker never attempted a shot despite playing 37 minutes. As a result, his chances to commit turnovers are much more restricted as his job is mainly to sit in the corners and wait to be found by teammates for a rare corner-3 attempt. Tucker hardly dribbles the ball too.

He had just 1 turnover in the 4 games of round 1 vs the Nets combined. This gives us confidence that in a must-win situation like it is now for the Sixers Tucker will do the simple things only and not take any risks. The veteran might see his use reduced even further on the offensive end with Embiid and Harden expected to be more aggressive in attack and leave the heavy-duty defending to Tucker.

76ers vs Celtics Preview – Can the new MVP shift the tides?

Joel Embiid recently won the MVP award after failing just short in the previous two years. However, he has been mainly a negative asset as far as the 76ers are concerned in this series. Philly won game 1 in Boston without Embiid. They did that thanks to Harden’s 45-point explosion and some much more unpredictable attacking possessions.

Then in both games 2 and 3 the Celtics earned blowout wins with Embiid playing. They did that because with the big man back on the court the 76ers stopped surprising them on the forward end as once more every attacking possession for Philly was channelled through the big man and his Robin James Harden.

The big question now is can Embiid make adjustments to his play for the must-win game 4 before the party moves back to Boston, or even can he play as he once again is listed as questionable for game 4. The 76ers lost 5 of the 7 games vs the Celtics so far this season. In their 2 wins, Harden went for 45 and at the end of the regular season, Embiid went for 52 points. Clearly, they need a big night from someone to at least stand a chance of turning this thing around.

Philadelphia 76ers News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

The Sixers should be able to have the same starting lineup. Embiid is listed as questionable due to knee soreness. However, he trained well on Saturday and if there are no setbacks he’s expected to play.

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report:

Joel Embiid is listed as questionable but he is likely to suit up and play.

Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup:

James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, PJ Tucker Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid