76ers vs. Celtics Player Props & First Basket Scorer Bets for Game 2: Harden Eyes Early Deuce

James Harden turned the clock back a couple of years to help the 76ers stun the Celtics in Boston in the opening game of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The win not only brought Philadelphia closer to advancing in the NBA Playoffs, but it also helped the Sixers buy time for their newly-minted MVP Joel Embiid to rest his hobbled knee. The Sixers are sure to have the full attention of the Celtics in Game 2 on Wednesday, and the competitive environment sets up plenty of player props and first basket scorer bets to consider. 

If you’re looking for options, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Check below for some of what we consider the best Sixers vs. Celtics Game 2 props offered on the top sports betting apps.

More analysis: 76ers vs. Celtics Game 2 prediction, odds, props

76ers vs. Celtics First Basket Scorers + More Game 2 Props

All eyes in the NBA world will be on this game as it’s the only matchup scheduled tonight. The Celtics are looking to erase the bad taste of losing Game 1 from their memories, as the Sixers try to take advantage of the golden opportunity in front of them. 

First Basket Scorer Prop Odds for 76ers vs. Celtics Game 2

With Harden’s offensive prowess, he presents a great case for the first basket scorer prop bet in this game. With Embiid out, Paul Reed will jump it up against Al Horford. Reed’s opening tip win percentage is 67%, and Horford’s is 43%. Additionally, Harden leads the Sixers’ available roster in first shot attempts at 24%. 

With Embiid most likely out again in Game 2, the 76ers will be dependent on Harden to be more aggressive offensively. He took and made the first shot for the Sixers in Game 1 and didn’t look back. Look for Harden to try to do the same in Game 2 to find his rhythm early to help the Sixers survive the Celtics’ early onslaught as Boston looks to overcome its letdown performance in the series opener. 

Best Player Prop Bets for Celtics vs. Sixers Game 2

The Celtics defense is causing concern for the title hopefuls and fans in Boston. There is an abundance of room for improvement, but so far this postseason, they haven’t shown many signs of turning things around. In the playoffs, their defensive rating has dipped by five percentage points. If that level of dropoff continues, the Sixers may be too big of an obstacle for the Celtics to overcome. 

Also check: Odds to win NBA Finals | NBA Playoff game betting lines

Tyrese Maxey to Score Over 25 Points (+100 on FanDuel)

Tyrese Maxey stepped into the number two scoring role perfectly in the last game, adding 26 points to the Sixers’ backcourt output. He shot the ball 24 times in the game, and that number shouldn’t come down in Game 2. In the three games without Embiid during this postseason run for the Sixers, he is averaging 22 points on 20 attempts. That’s not great efficiency, but between his volume and the Celtics’ defensive woes, he should be able to cover this wager. 

James Harden to Score Over 25 Points (-105 on DraftKings)

The Celtics are sure to have a different game plan to limit Harden’s scoring, especially with Embiid still out. He’ll see a variety of looks and potentially more double teams given the limitations of his surrounding cast to create shots for others. However, Harden has seen every defense possible, and he is currently in attack mode. Now that he has broken loose and found some resemblance of his old self, it may be too difficult for the Celtics to completely bottle up his explosiveness. 

It’s also relevant to note that in the Celtics’ last five games defending dynamic point guards, they have allowed scoring performances of 32, 35, 38, 30, and 45 to Trae Young and Harden. As of late, it doesn’t feel like the once-dominant defensive Celtics are able to slow anyone down. 

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