Interesting that this was 10 and is only down 1.5 points with Joel Embiid expected to play (it was down to 7.5 earlier today so glad we waited). He's obviously worth more than 1.5 points, but it's not quite that simple because his backup, Paul Reed, has played great in the past two games Embiid has missed, both Philly wins. Reed deserves more minutes regardless. Boston surely will even the series but 8.5 points? The Sixers are unbeaten ATS in their past seven. Embiid is only set at 25.5 points via Caesars. Think he will want to prove his MVP worthiness here?

Suddenly Derrick White’s production where he averaged 19 points in his first five postseason games has tapered off drastically. He had just seven points in game six’s closeout win over Atlanta, and four in game one’s loss to Philadelphia. White is to important of a role player to be held in check. Tonight in game two is a back on track spot. Play his over.

Game 1 of this series saw a pace of just 89 possessions per team. However, the teams had effective field-goal percentages of better than 60%. With Boston losing Game 1, I expect the Celtics to make their adjustments on the defensive end. Play the Under.

The 76ers won Game 1 despite Joel Embiid (knee) being out. Now they are heavy underdogs for Game 2, even with Embiid likely playing. I get that Game 1 was an upset, but this Celtics team has been very inconsistent during the playoffs. They are 2-3 over their last five games with their two wins coming by exactly eight points each against the Hawks. I don’t expect the 76ers to win this game, but I do expect them to cover with Embiid back in the fold.

Every year that's gone by has seen Marcus Smart take on more of a facilitator role in the Celtics offense, and that's been the case this season. Not only did average a career high of 6.3 assists per game this season, but he had seven in the first game of the series. He's averaging only 5.4 assists per game in the playoffs but that's skewed by a two-assist performance in Game 5 against Atlanta when he sat on the bench dealing with foul trouble. He's averaging 6.0 per game in every other game.

After a shocking Game 1 home loss to Philadelphia, Boston looks to bounce back in Game 2. One of their keys to success should be Marcus Smart, whose 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists were enough to beat his prop total but not win the Celtics the game. Smart has topped this total in 2 of 3 regular season matchups vs. Philly and 6 of 7 games thus far in the playoffs. Expect a strong effort from Boston tonight and for Smart to reach the mid-20s at least in points + assists + rebounds.

James Harden’s epic display in leading the 76ers to a Game 1 victory was the mental hurdle Philly needed to get over. Boston had controlled Philly 3-1 on the regular season series but breaking through in Bean Town gives the 76ers the confidence to stay close again.

I know fading Jayson Tatum did not work out well for us after his impressive game 1 performance, however this is a large number for him and I am willing to go right back to the proverbial well. Joel Embiid is on track to suit up tonight and his presence alone will make life difficult for Tatum. Without Embiid on the floor in game 1, the 76ers opted to play up tempo, in addition to starting 6'9'' Paul Reed at Center. Reed offers very little in the way of rim protection, whereas Embiid when engaged is as good as any defensive big in the league. The Sixers have numerous lengthy wings they will throw at Tatum suhc as PJ Tucker, Tobias Harris, and even Jalen McDaniels who are all above average defenders and with Embiid patrolling the paint they are more comfortable defending Tatum aggressively.

Despite playing 42 minutes and shooting 80% from the field, 75% from deep, and sinking all four of his free throw attempts, Jaylen Brown attempted only ten shots in the Celtics shocking 119-115 defeat to the 76ers. Brown still scored a highly efficient 23 points although he only attempted three field goals after the first quarter. That simply cannot and will not happen again and I expect a more aggressive Brown, similar to the player who was taking 20.3 shots in Boston's opening round series against Atlanta, while averaging 26.7 PPG. I also love that the 76ers decided to run against Boston in game 1 and this style of play and pace certainly benefits Brown who was 4th in the NBA in transition points per game during the regular season.