Celtics to outlast 76ers in a closely contested Game 5 on Tuesday

  • Go to BetOnline or Bovada for the latest odds on the Celtics vs 76ers matchup
  • James Harden and Joel Embiid combined for 77 points in Philadelphia’s win on Sunday
  • TNT airs Game 5 from TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET

James Harden delivered one of the finest performances of his career, posting 42 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and four steals in a 116-115 overtime victory over the Celtics in Game 4. The Beard hit a number of clutch shots down the stretch and drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with 18 seconds remaining in the extra frame.

With the best-of-seven series now tied at 2-2, the 76ers will travel to Boston for Game 5 on Tuesday. Before we look at the opening line, check out the latest 2023 NBA Playoff Betting Odds and our guide to betting on NBA basketball.

Celtics vs 76ers

BetOnline ReviewSpreadMoney LineTotal Points
Philadelphia 76ers+7.0 (-107)+245Ov 214 (-110)
Boston Celtics-7.0 (-113)-290Un 214 (-110)

Harden’s Game 4 heroics

James Harden’s 42-point effort saved his team from falling into a 3-1 series hole on Sunday. It was an impressive bounce-back performance from the 33-year-old veteran, who went a combined 5-for-28 shooting in Games 2 and 3 after leading the 76ers to a Game 1 victory with 45 points.

While Joel Embiid’s final stat line in Game 4 (34 points, 13 rebounds) looked impressive, the 2023 NBA MVP made a number of unforced errors down the stretch. Luckily, Harden had his teammate’s back. The 10-time All-Star hit a floater with 16 seconds left in regulation before draining the game-winning three in overtime.

Celtics come oh so close

Boston came all the way back from 15 points down with 2 minutes left in the third quarter. Jayson Tatum had a huge game, finishing with 24 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and four blocks. His step-back 3 gave his club a 115-113 lead in overtime before Jaylen Brown left Harden wide open in the corner for the game-winning 3.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has taken fire for not calling a timeout during the game’s final possession. Tatum burned at least 15 seconds before driving to the basket and the time expired before Marcus Smart got off his shot. As a result, the series is all tied up 2 with two of the final three games in Beantown.

Boston CelticsTo Win Series
★★★★★
-300
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Philadelphia 76ersTo Win Series
★★★★★
+250
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Boston vs Philadelphia

The Celtics are 7-point home favorites on Tuesday night and oddsmakers still have them as heavy -300 chalk to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. After putting together an impressive 33-9 home record during the regular season, Boston is 3-2 at TD Bank Garden in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 76ers have claimed three of four road games this postseason, including Game 1 in Boston.

Philadelphia is +245 on the moneyline to win Game 5 and a +250 underdog to claim the series. The over-under on Tuesday’s contest is set at 214 points. That total has been exceeded in three of four matchups in the series, with the exception of Boston’s 121-87 Game 2 win.

Best Bet

James Harden has been up and down all series, but we think he stays hot in Game 5. Expect another close contest between these two Atlantic Division rivals on Tuesday. Celtics win but the 76ers secure the cover.

Philadelphia 76ersTo Cover vs Boston
★★★★★
+7.0
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Steve Starr

Steve is the quintessential American sports enthusiast. He has mastered the art of Sundays, devoting them to football, and barbecue parties. He proudly wears the hats of a good father, husband and a great dog owner. Aside from his decades of contributing to different top-tier sports publications, Steve has also found his niche on Twitter, where he publishes funny and relatable sports-related insights. When he's not busy tweeting, Steve loves to watch each game unfold live. He possesses an innate talent for finding humor in the sports world, appreciating both the thrilling moments and the comedic mishaps that make each event unique.