After two days of rest, just a few hours separate the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers from tonight's Game 7 in Boston. With the series knotted at three, only one team will walk out victorious and face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Neither team has been able to gain momentum after a victory, as both teams have exchanged wins. If the pattern were to continue, it would be the Celtics' turn to win.
The Celtics have won Games 1, 3, and 5 in this series. Their margin of victory was close to 11 points. Proving that when Boston wins, they win big. All victories, except for Game 1, were by double-digit margins.
When they won, Rajon Rondo was a catalyst, setting players up and leading the games in assists. Kevin Garnett has played well during the playoffs, averaging 20 points per game with 10 rebounds. Paul Pierce has been able to dominate in games averaging close to 19 points a night.
If these three players make their usual solid contributions, there is no way the Sixers can pull out a victory. Add to that a hungry and devoted Boston Celtics crowd at TD Garden, and the Sixers are destined to lose.
Including the regular season, this Philly team is only 1-3 when playing in Boston, with their only win coming in Game 2 of the series.
The Sixers have to outrun the Celtics if they want to win the series. They are physically shorter and should use this to their advantage. If the ball does not move, they Celtics' smothering defense will not allow open looks.
On the other hand for the Celtics, if they can score in the paint, the length of Garnett should be too much for Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes. Garnett possesses one of the sweetest jump shots, which he has been hitting consistently in most games. Mixing a good post game with this jumper could be deadly.
Ray Allen, who has been playing with injuries, forcing him to become a bench player, will start in Game 7. He has not been the three-point machine that he once was. In front of a home crowd however, look for all the players to play strong. If Allen can have a big night, he can space out the floor, the Celtics will be unstoppable.
Jrue Holiday has to repeat his Game 6 performance. This young and inexperienced playoff Sixers team will need support from their veterans, Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand. The Sixers have done a great job sharing the ball as night after night multiple players are in double figures. On any given night, any Sixer can win it for their team .
Holiday had 20 in Game 6 and Brand added 13 of his own. Iguodala, who is probably the most explosive player on both teams, must use his athleticism to excite his teammates. Game 6 turned around for the Sixers after Iguadola soared in for a dunk and a foul.
The Celtics are great in Game 7's and will look to add another one to their record. They have been here before, giving them the advantage. Their sixth man will be the roaring Boston crowd. The Sixers will have to start hot as the look to advance to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2001.
