Expert prediction
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 7 Preview, Odds & Predictions (May 2)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Celtics seek their fifth straight first-round series win.
- The 76ers look to pull off a series upset on the road in Game 7.
- Philadelphia attempts a 3-1 series comeback against Boston.
The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs is in the final stage of contests as the Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 7 on Saturday night. The former stands out as the slight favorite, presenting the high stakes that will be actively present in this elimination showdown between division rivals.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, May 2, 7:30 pm ET
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
- How to Watch: NBC/Peacock
NBA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHI 76ers | -116 | +7 | O205.5 |
| BOS Celtics | -104 | -7 | U205.5 |
Game Preview
Joel Embiid and the 76ers (3-3) have stunned Boston with how they have been able to force the series to a Game 7 despite initially trailing 3-1 after the first four games. They have stifled Boston’s offense, holding them to under 100 points in Games 5 and 6. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have been pivotal to Philadelphia’s return to winning form, providing excellent displays on the perimeter while Embiid asserts himself inside the paint.
Jayson Tatum and the Celtics (3-3) are at serious risk of crashing out of the first round if they don’t get their offense back in a positive rhythm. Boston has a better chance of winning if they can surpass 100 points, something that Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and especially Derrick White must do to achieve that objective. Brown leads the offense with 24.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while Tatum produces 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists.
76ers vs Celtics Predictions
The winner of this matchup will get to advance to the East Semifinals and face the New York Knicks in the next round. Philadelphia finally has a big opportunity to stun Boston in hostile territory, something Embiid wasn’t able to do in 2018, 2020 and 2023. The Celtics have a long history of persevering through many tough series, but this Game 7 may be crucial as it tests the current future of their superstars in Tatum and Brown. Our betting pick here is for the Celtics to defend a 7-point spread.
- Free NBA pick: Boston Celtics -7
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