The Celtics and 76ers continue their first round series with Game 4 in Philadelphia on Sunday. The Celtics lead this series 2-1. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Boston is favored by 7.5 points and this game carries a total of 213.5 points.

Let’s dive into my preview and pick for this matchup.

Celtics vs. 76ers preview

After the 76ers went into Boston and pulled of the upset in Game 3 to even this series at one win apiece, the Celtics, per usual, bounced back with a 108-100 win in Game 4. I say per usual, because Boston is a stellar 21-6 following a loss this season.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both finished with 25 points, and Payton Pritchard added 15 points off the bench. Tatum did a good chunk of his damage in the fourth quarter with 11 points in the final frame and he hit a vintage three-pointer with less than a minute remaining to seal the deal for the Celtics. Given the long journey it has been for Tatum to get back to playing at a superstar level following the torn Achilles he suffered last May, this dagger three-pointer was visibly an incredible moment for the for the forward.

Tatum and company will now look to carry this momentum over to Game 4, as they look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The lone concern for Boston and what has been a consistent issue of late is the play of Derrick White. The guard hasn’t scored more than 12 points in seven straight and the usual elite defender has struggled to contain Tyrese Maxey in this series. White has defended Maxey for 24 minutes and Maxey has shot 41.9% from the field for 28 points in those minutes.

The Celtics’ net rating has been a whopping 20.5 points per 100 possessions better with White off the floor than with him on in this series. This is a small sample of just three games, but still, these splits are concerning. Can the Celtics withstand White’s struggles vs. the 76ers and win Game 4 and this series? Yes. But, White is an integral piece for Boston and they need him to snap out of this funk if they want to win their 19th championship in June.

For the 76ers, the aforementioned Maxey scored 31 points in the Game 3 loss, after posting 29 points in Game 2. The guard has been getting to his spots with ease against this stout Celtics’ defense and Maxey should continue to put up big numbers in Game 4 with Joel Embiid (appendix) doubtful. Kelly Oubre Jr. (adductor) is also questionable, so even more work could be heading Maxey’s way.

Embiid is reportedly nearing a return and it wouldn’t be surprising if he suits up for Game 5 on Tuesday. This obviously would be huge for Philadelphia, but it could be too late by then, if the Celtics win Game 4 and have a chance to clinch the series in Boston in Game 5.

Truthfully, it was surprising Embiid wasn’t listed as questionable for Game 4 and the center has played after initially being listed as doubtful before, so don’t be shocked if Embiid makes a dramatic return Sunday. The big man playing would give Philadelphia a better chance of winning, but Embiid likely would be rusty and defeating the Celtics still would be a big challenge for this inconsistent Philadelphia squad. With their big three of Embiid, Maxey and Paul George active this season, the 76ers are just 11-10.

Celtics vs. 76ers pick, best bet

The Celtics gained their confidence back with the Game 3 win and they should take care of business in Game 4, setting up a closeout situation in Boston on Tuesday.

The Celtics being a 7.5-point favorite is totally fair and backing them to cover is viable, but the under 213.5 points is a better play. Only one of the six matchups between the Celtics and 76ers has gone over this season and with Boston playing at the slowest pace in the NBA, the club is a league-best 55-30 for the under this season.

Best Bet: Under 213.5 points (-110)