Joel Embiid Over 25 Points
The now crowned league MVP is back for Philadelphia in Game 2 and I expect him to make a huge impact for the 76ers tonight as they look to go up 2-0 in the series.
Embiid is averaging 37 PPG against Boston in 4 games this season and 32 PPG in his last 10 games. In the April 4th game against the Celtics, Embiid shot a whopping 25 field goals going 20-25 for 52 points. The 76ers center outsizes every player on the Celtics roster so there is a huge mismatch here. Add the fact that James Harden is playing at an All-Star level, I expect him to create significant opportunities for Embiid tonight on the offensive end.
While playing an average of 39 minutes per game against Boston and shooting an impressive 61% from the field and 85% from the free throw line, this 25-point line looks low tonight for Embiid and has substantial value for users playing the over tonight. With the significant advantage Embiid has in the paint, he’ll be at the free throw line frequently and has ability to hit the mid-range shot and from deep; Embiid typically shoots at least one 3 pointer per game.
We’re hammering the over 25 point line tonight for Embiid and expect the 76ers to go up 2-0 with the return of the league MVP.
James Harden Over 29.5 Pts + Asts
James Harden has been on fire lately and put up 45 points in Game 1 in spite of Joel Embiid’s absence. His points total alone surpassed what the 29.5 Pts + Asts line is tonight for Game 2 and with Embiid back. Separately of his 45 point performance, Harden has surpassed the 29.5 Pts + Asts total in 4 of the 76ers last 5 games. At TD Garden alone, Harden is averaging 30.5 points this season.
Harden is averaging 25.5 PPG and 9 assists per game against Boston this season. In his last 10 games, Harden is clocking 35 minutes per game for the 76ers and averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 assists. While these numbers border the 29.5 line tonight, these totals go up against Boston as mentioned above.
The 76ers are rolling and feeling extremely confident after their Game 1 win. The performance of the team relies heavily on Harden and Embiid. With his front man back in the lineup tonight, I expect Harden to easily get a double-double on the points and assists line and surpass the 29.5 line tonight.
We’re also going over on the Harden line tonight. Let’s cash.