The Boston Celtics haven't been in a Game 7 in Round 1 since 2018 — Jayson Tatum's rookie season — and now they're staring at their season on the line after losing two straight to the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a game as meaningful as this one, we aren't just looking for standard lines — we’re looking for "ceiling" performances. That’s where the ladder pick comes in. If you think a player might go way over their line, you bet their standard over, then "ladder" up into alternate territories (25+, 30+, 35+) for a higher payout.
Today, I'm targeting Celtics starting center Neemias Queta.
Celtics vs. 76ers Props for Game 7
- Neemias Queta Over 7.5 Rebounds (-105)
- Neemias Queta 10+ Rebounds (+234)
Neemias Queta Over 7.5 Rebounds / 10+ Rebounds
In three games with Joel Embiid back, Neemias Queta has gotten over 7.5 rebounds in each of them, and he's pulled down 10 or more in his last two, getting as many as 14 two games ago.
Queta will be much needed, given Embiid's presence, and because Embiid isn't as dominant a rebounder as he was in his MVP prime, Queta will have plenty of opportunities to board.
Queta is averaging 14.7 rebound chances in just 19.9 minutes per contest during the playoffs.
Since Game 3 — which is the game before Embiid's return, where he pulled down seven in 13 minutes — Queta has averaged 10 rebounds per game with 16.5 rebound chances in just 19.2 minutes per contest. Those minutes are up to 26 and 20 in his last two.
We need him to stay out of foul trouble as badly as the Celtics do. If he does, we'll ride out his rebound percentage of over 60 since Game 3.
Celtics vs 76ers Game 7 Rebounds Escalator
- Neemias Queta Over 7.5 Rebounds (-105)
- Neemias Queta 10+ Rebounds (+234)
