Rothstein: How I’m Betting 76ers-Celtics Game 1

Ryan Rothstein is an on-air personality at WIP and the BetQL Network. Sign in with your BetQL account now or sign up for a free one to get instant access to his Game 1 bets. Is he siding with the Sixers or the Celtics against the spread? Find out below!

76ers at Celtics: Game 1 Best Bets

Philly vs. Boston. At one point in time, the greatest rivalry in the NBA. For Joel Embiid? Not so much. Embiid has a playoff record of 1-8 against the Boston Celtics in his career. And once again, the superstar big man is dealing with injury as the 76ers get ready to start their series on Monday night in Boston. The 76ers are currently a 10-point underdog for Game 1 Monday night in Boston. News broke Saturday that the LCL knee sprain Embiid sustained in the first round is significantly worse than originally reported.

Embiid is doubtful for Game 1 and could realistically even miss the first two games of the series. So with all of this in mind, where does the opportunity lie in the betting market for Game 1? I outlined some of the best bets for Monday night below.

Best Bet #1: 76ers +10

The 76ers have a massive uphill battle facing them in Game 1 without Embiid going on the road in Boston against a talented Celtics roster. On the surface, all signs point to a big Celtics win at home. So, how can the Sixers cover? Compared to previous seasons that ended with a second-round exit, this Sixers team is deeper, more talented and tougher. 

Paul Reed stepped in for Embiid in Game 4 against Brooklyn and played well. Reed finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Reed is not the MVP. But he is young, athletic and active. PJ Tucker will be valuable as ever now as well, and the Sixers will be going into Boston playing with house money and desperate to steal a game. Can they do it? I wouldn't be shocked, but that's not what we need. Can they cover? I think they can, and I think they will. Take the points.

Best Bet #2: Tobias Harris Over 16.5 Points 

With Embiid likely out, obviously the Sixers need to make up for the offensive production they will be missing. This is where Doc Rivers will call upon Tobias Harris to have a much bigger role in the offense, with plenty of opportunities being the focal point. In the first round, Harris stepped up in Game 4 with Embiid out, shooting 11-for-19 from the field, 2-for-4 from three, finishing with 25 points and 12 rebounds. 

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