Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers, 6:30 p.m. ET

The 76ers clearly need changes. This team is not built to win. They have made no adjustments. Joel Embiid got off to a strong start in the last game with the 76ers leading early and then it fell apart. The Celtics shot 19-for-43 from three-pointer range in Game 2 and got good contributions from the bench. Jayson Tatum scored 33 points and Jaylen Brown stepped up with Gordon Hayward out. The Celtics defense has played better recently limiting opponents to 101 points or fewer in four of the last six. The 76ers are 2-5 without Ben Simmons. The 76ers only lost two games at home and not playing in Philadelphia is a negative. The 76ers didn't show much fight at the end of Game 2 and there's clearly something missing from this team. The 76ers got off to fast starts in the first two games before the Celtics take over and dictate things.

PICK: Celtics -6

Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks, 9 p.m. ET

The Mavericks have played well in the first two games. They stayed competitive in Game 1 with Kristaps Porzingis getting ejected in the third quarter. The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the field and hit 13 three-pointers, while scoring 127 points with Luka Doncic scoring 28. Paul George struggled for the Clippers, shooting 4-for-17 from the field. In their last five games coming off a loss, the Clippers have won them all by double-digits. The Mavericks are 3-7 ATS in the bubble. Patrick Beverly is listed as questionable and he would give the Clippers a boost. Expect a big performance from the Clippers.

Pick: Clippers -5

Nikola Jokic 23.5 Points

Jokic has faced the Jazz five times this season and gone over the number every time. One game was double overtime and one was an overtime game. He took 21 shots from the field in each of the first two games in the postseason and scored 28 and 29 points. He scored 30 against the Jazz on August 8 in two overtimes and scored 30 and 28 points in the other two games. It's difficult to see him going under the number unless he's in foul trouble or the game is lopsided. 

Pick: Over 23.5 points (-110)

 

Season Record

Yesterday: 0-3

Season: 43-39-3