Boston Celtics fans and bettors did not think it would come to this.
After a lackluster 115-103 Game 5 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, the Celtics find themselves in a must-win situation Thursday night.
What figured to be a long run for the Celtics potentially could come to an end tonight. Several in-state bettors are looking to claim Massachusetts sportsbook promos after losing some bankroll in Game 5.
Will the Celtics have a long off-season thinking about what happened and what if?
Game 6 tips off at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN). If necessary, Game 7 will be back at TD Bank Garden in Boston on Mother's Day Sunday (time to be announced).
The Sixers are one game away from finally dismissing a longtime time nemesis and advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2001. Most Massachusetts sports betting apps currently have the Sixers NBA Championship odds around +300 or +325.
NBA MVP Joel Embiid scored 33 points and guard Tyrese Maxey added 30 in the surprising triumph Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Celtics were led by stars Jayson Tatum with 36 points (on just 11-for-27 shooting from the field) and Jaylen Brown (24). It was Boston’s lowest-scoring output since a 97-93 victory over the Toronto Raptors back on April 5.
Center Al Horford had no points (missing all seven of his 3-point attempts) with five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block in Game 5. That can't happen again if Boston is to advance.
Been There, Done That
Last year, the Celtics were in this same predicament as they are in tonight.
And last year they responded.
Trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven series against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics came away with a 108-95 road win behind Tatum's impressive 46-point performance. Boston routed Milwaukee at home, 109-81, in Game 7 to advance.
MORE: Celtics NBA championship odds
Latest Odds for Game, Playoff
This morning BetMGM Massachusetts has the Celtics favored tonight. They are listed as a 2.5-point and -140 moneyline favorite over the Sixers. Philadelphia is a slight +115 moneyline underdog.
The game's over/under point total at 212.5.
FanDuel also has the Celtics favored by 2.5 points. If you plan to bet with this operator, be sure to claim the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code.
Looking ahead, Boston is listed at +220 to win the Eastern Conference and at +400 to win the NBA Finals. Although an underdog tonight, the Sixers are a slight -105 favorite to win the Eastern Conference and listed as the second favorite to win the NBA Finals at +325.
The Denver Nuggets are the favorite at +280.
Stay close to BetMassachusetts.com for news and analysis on all the state’s pro teams, as well as news on Massachusetts sports betting.
