Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden Over 16 Asts + Rebs
The Philadelphia 76ers currently sit in the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference and have clinched a playoff spot for the post season. Now their focus is going to be on gaining ground on the Celtics, who are 3 games ahead of them for the number 2 seed. Harden is going to need to play at his best tonight for the 76ers to win against a more complete Celtics team.
Harden is averaging just over 10 assists in his last 10 games and 5 rebounds in this timeframe. In his last four games, Harden has dished out 6, 11, 12 and 12 assists respectively. He has also pulled down as many as 11 and 7 rebounds during this 76ers run.
While the 16 line may seem high at first glance, Harden is almost a guaranteed lock to dish out at last 10 assists and is clearly capable of grabbing double digit rebounds. The 76ers point guard commands the team offense and his performance tonight will dictate the pace of this game.
I expect Harden to have an All Star performance in a nationally televised game and am going to hammer the over 16 line for Assists + Rebounds.
Let’s cash.
Jayson Tatum Over 3 3-Pointers
Jayson Tatum has been clutch from beyond the arc of late. He shot 62.5% and 80% from three in his last two games, where he scored 39 points and 40 points respectively. Over his last 10 games, the Celtics star is shooting 35% from deep and averaging 30 points. These monster numbers are so impressive yet it seems like we expect this from Tatum every night he steps on the floor.
Tatum will be matched up against PJ Tucker, who he is much more skilled than and he is complete mismatch against other 76ers players. Tatum shoots from 3 in high frequency and has attempted 8, 10, 7, 9, and 7 shots from deep in his last five games. In these last five games, Tatum has hit the 3-point mark 3 times. He made 8 3-pointes last Thursday night against the Bucks in a blowout win.
Tatum will surely find his rhythm tonight and a 30 point game with at least 3 pointers made is easily attainable against the 76ers. Tatum and the over 3 3-pointers is my play tonight.