Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 7 Preview, Picks & Odds for Saturday, May 2, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | May 02, 2026, 5:44pm

Game 7 between the Philadelphia 76ers (3-3) and Boston Celtics (3-3) is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC. Jayson Tatum exited Game 6 early due to tightness in his leg, and he is out tonight per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Although Boston may lose because of this decision, it’s the right choice to be extra cautious given his injury history.

76ers vs. Celtics Betting Analysis

Game 6 was a statement win by the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George combined for 53 points on 19-of-39 shooting from the field, while Joel Embiid struggled as a scorer but thrived as a passer. Kelly Oubre Jr. also contributed 14 points and nine rebounds and did an excellent job defending Jaylen Brown.

Philadelphia can become the 14th team in NBA history to orchestrate a 3-1 comeback if it checks the following boxes in Game 7. First, at least two of Maxey, Embiid, and George need to have efficient, high-volume scoring nights. Second, Oubre and George must have strong defensive nights against Boston’s stars. Finally, the 76ers need to control the defensive glass again.

Will Jaylen Brown show up in Game 7? He has shot 40% from the field and turned the basketball over at a high rate during the past three contests. Boston needs the All-NBA version of Brown, especially since Tatum may be limited or pulled from the game due to injury.

Another area to monitor is Neemias Queta’s discipline. Boston needs him on the court because of his defense and size, but he has averaged four fouls per game which has cut his playing time to 20 minutes per game. Along with taking him off the court, Queta’s fouls are helping the 76ers get to the bonus quicker and handing them free points at the charity stripe.

The best bet for Game 7 is taking Philadelphia to cover the 8.5-point spread and win the game. Boston’s offense has really struggled to consistently generate good shots recently, and Philadelphia possesses enough star power and depth to go toe-to-toe against the Celtics even when they are playing well. Tatum’s absence is a crushing blow, too.

76ers vs. Celtics Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: 76ers +8.5 (-115)
Best Bet: 76ers ML (+245)
Score Prediction: 76ers 108, Celtics 107

76ers vs. Celtics Game Odds

76ers vs. Celtics Game Information

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
Network: NBC
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Venue: TD Garden – 221.1 ppg; 15-29 O/U
Series Score: Tied 3-3

76ers vs. Celtics Betting Resources

76ers vs. Celtics Key Players

76ers

Tyrese Maxey – Last Game: 30 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists
Joel Embiid – Last Game: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
Paul George – Last Game: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Celtics

Jaylen Brown – Last Game: 18 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Jayson Tatum – Last Game: 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists
Derrick White – Last Game: 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.