The 2023 NBA Playoffs are in full swing, with the field virtually set for the second round. The opening round featuring thrilling highs and plenty of drama, though two teams in the Eastern Conference simply took care of business without incident. On Monday evening, the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics will begin a second round matchup against the No. 3 seed Philadelphia 76ers. Boston enters with home-court advantage by virtue of a 57-win season, while Philadelphia finished the regular season with 54 victories. 

Boston knocked off the No. 7 seed Atlanta Hawks in the first round. While the Celtics did lose Game 5 at home to send the series back to Atlanta, Boston finished with an impressive closing kick. Boston had arguably the best statistical profile in the NBA during the 2022-23 regular season, and the Celtics also posted a 32-9 record at TD Garden. The Celtics are led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and feature a versatile rotation of two-way players under first-year head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Philadelphia made quick work of the No. 6 seed Brooklyn Nets in the opening round. The 76ers swept through the series, earning extra time to rest, and that could potentially be even more beneficial with the injury questions surrounding MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid. The talented center suffered a knee sprain during the series win over Brooklyn and, on Saturday, Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers indicated that he is doubtful to play in Game 1. His status should be viewed as unclear as a result, though the 76ers do have star power with James Harden and Tyrese Maxey if Embiid is limited or unable to play. 

Below, we'll dive into the series from every angle, including a pick on the winner and a best bet on the series. As the seven-game battle begins, the Celtics are -450 favorites ($450 to win $100) at Caesars Sportsbook, with the 76ers listed at +360 ($100 to win $360) to pull the upset. Boston is -190 to win the Eastern Conference this season and +145 to win the 2023 NBA title. Philadelphia is listed at +400 to win the East and +1000 to win the title.

76ers vs. Celtics full series odds

• Series winner: Celtics -450 | 76ers +360
• Series spread: Celtics -1.5 (-190) | 76ers +1.5 (+160)
• Alt. Series spread: Celtics -2.5 (+118) | 76ers +2.5 (-140)
• Total number of games: Five (+210) | Seven (+260) | Six (+260) | Four (+325)
• Exact finish: Celtics in 5 (+230) | Celtics in 4 (+325) | Celtics in 7 (+400) | Celtics in 6 (+450) | 76ers in 6 (+800) | 76ers in 7 (+900) | 76ers in 5 (+3000) | 76ers in 4 (+7000)

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