Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Boston Celtics showed their best performance as Eastern Conference favorites with a convincing victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the series opener between the two rivals on Sunday, April 19, 2026, US time. The Boston Celtics led from the start and cruised to a convincing 123-91 victory without Sixers star Joel Embiid (appendectomy).

Now, the author will discuss the odds and predictions for Game 2 of this series, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM US time at TD Garden in Boston and broadcast by NBC.

The Boston Celtics’ shooting strategy, as a legendary NBA franchise, is indeed quite efficient. The team recorded the second-best offensive rating (120) in NBA history this season despite being without Jayson Tatum (Achilles injury) for most of the regular season. Returning to his All-NBA form, Tatum delivered a stellar performance (25 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 turnover) to lift the Boston Celtics on Sunday, as they swept the Sixers.

With Embiid out, the Sixers are relying on Paul George and rookie VJ Edgecombe to ease the pressure on Tyrese Maxey as their primary scorer. The Boston Celtics struggled to control Maxey during the regular season. But in a strong game plan to open the playoff series, the speedy Sixers guard was forced to make some tough shots, resulting in 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting.

Now, the Sixers will look to bounce back in Boston to salvage their momentum before returning to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Betting Analysis

Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Boston Celtics were 12.5-point favorites in Game 1, and that spread was never in doubt after a dominant first-half performance. The Philadelphia 76ers hit just 2 of 16 three-point attempts in the first half, and the Boston Celtics hit just 6 of 18. However, there was a significant difference in the quality of shooting between the two teams.

In the second half, the Boston Celtics’ depth was evident, with Jaylen Brown and Tatum alternating as primary creators before players like Payton Pritchard and Luka Garza contributed off the bench.

The Boston Celtics were initially favored by 15 points heading into Game 2, and the Sixers actually attracted some early bets, lowering the spread to 13.5 points. The total remained steady at 216.5 points after Game 1 reached a total of 214 points.

The NBA also has a long history of teams bouncing back in Game 2 after losing Game 1 in the NBA Playoffs. That trend appears to be driving betting action on the Sixers.

The Boston Celtics are 32-24 against the spread (ATS) after a win this season. It’s good, but not as impressive as their elite 18-8 ATS (69%) record after a loss. However, the Boston Celtics are 13-4 (77%) ATS with the advantage of rest, winning by 11 points per game, and they could still benefit from a week of rest and preparation. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers will have to fight to advance.

Predictions and Best Picks

The Sixers were absolutely blown out of shape in Game 1 and seem completely devoid of cohesion. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have the best continuity of any team in the Eastern Conference and look like true playoff veterans.

The Boston Celtics should be sharp again at home, where they are 12-2 in their last 14 playoff games. Both of those record-breaking losses came after blows against the New York Knicks last season.

This version of the Boston Celtics hasn’t shown any cracks either. And they’re highly unlikely to squander a lead in the second half given the depth and talent on their bench. Also, the unit’s never-say-die attitude, instilled by head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have limited scoring options other than Maxey and a below-average bench. So, as long as the Boston Celtics can win the first quarter, they should easily cruise to a home victory on Tuesday night.

Best Bet: Boston Celtics to Win at the End of Each Quarter (-134)

Score Prediction: Celtics 116 – Philadelphia 76ers 104.

Writer/Editor: Bembo