The Boston Celtics face off against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Friday, aiming to regain control after the series was tied 1-1. The 76ers stunned the Celtics with a 111-97 victory on Tuesday, showcasing their resilience after finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division.

With a home record of 24-18 this season, the 76ers (45-37) look to capitalize on their advantage at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Conversely, the Celtics (56-26), who dominated the Atlantic Division, enter with a solid 26-15 road record this season.

Joel Embiid remains doubtful for the 76ers due to an appendectomy, adding to the stakes of this crucial matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the Celtics favored by 6.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under for total points is set at 215.5.

The SportsLine Projection Model, known for its accuracy, has simulated this game 10,000 times. It has a proven track record, yielding over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on top-rated NBA picks over the past eight seasons. Currently, the model predicts:

• Celtics to have four players scoring in double figures, led by Jaylen Brown with 27.3 points.
• Tyrese Maxey expected to lead the 76ers with 25.7 points, with three other players scoring 15 or more.

The model suggests the total points could reach 216, indicating a strong value in betting the Over. For detailed predictions and insights, fans can check out SportsLine's analysis before placing their bets.