Game 6 is now upon us, and it is the first elimination game of what has been a fun series. Fun that is, if you are not a fan of the Boston Celtics. After going all the way to the NBA Finals a year ago, the expectation was that they would be able to do it again. Of course, a coaching change had to happen due to off-season circumstances. Perhaps, Joe Mazzulla is not as cut out for this as Ime Udoka (and assistant Will Hardy) were.
As for Philadelphia, the city is ready to party. Sure, a victory would only get them to the conference finals. But it’s important to keep in mind that it’s been a long time. Heck, Tyrese Maxey wasn’t even born yet when Philly last played in the third round of the postseason. With that said, look for him and Joel Embiid to be locked in, trying to end this thing tonight.
GAME 6 ODDS:
SPREAD: Boston -2.5
OVER/UNDER:Over 212.5
MONEYLINE: Boston -140, Philadelphia +116
Celtics Aim to Force Game 7
It is not unreasonable in any way, shape, or form that visiting Boston is favored for game 6. It is certainly surprising though, given how they played in game 5. They were outplayed for much of it, with decisions having to be made to change up their rotation for the first time since early in the postseason. It took them six games to get past Atlanta, and that may have been more telling than was realized at the time.
If you’re the #2 seed, there is an expectation that a first-round clearing of the opponent would happen quickly. Trae Young made sure otherwise, but that is now in the past. Facing another game 6, they need to do what they did last time. When push comes to shove, lock in. Make the other players have to beat you, if anything. Al Horford can’t keep building new brick houses. Jayson Tatum has to score early in the game. And, they need scoring balance.
Philly Aims to Punch Ticket to Conference Finals
This was also true last year, but once again, the 76ers have a good enough team to go out and win the conference. They could win the title, too. But they got bounced in round two, as they have over and over again for the past two decades. 2001 marked their last time in the conference finals, and it’s time that the hurdles stop tripping them up.
They have the league MVP in Joel Embiid, along with a former MVP in James Harden. They have the 2021 champ PJ Tucker. Tobias Harris has long been a fantastic role player. And Tyrese Maxey already shows star-like tendencies and has his moments. It’s the perfect starting five. And they get good minutes from Danuel House and De’Anthony Melton.
If they can stick to the game plan tonight, it will all come to fruition for them. If they don’t treat this like a game 7, they’ll lose.
Goodnight Ladies and Gentlemen
That’s right. The 76ers are getting the win tonight on their home floor, eliminating the Boston Celtics from playoff contention.
PICK: 76ers +116
