The Celtics and 76ers will match up again on Friday for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Boston has a commanding 2-0 lead and will look to move closer to eliminating their rival.
Game 1 was a 109-101 Celtics win, while Game 2 ended at 128-101 in favor of the Celtics.
76ers’ Struggles
As good as Philadelphia played at home this season, they sure do wish they could get the home-court advantage for these next two games. However, things have changed in the NBA bubble in Orlando.
This team is without Ben Simmons, one of their best players. Joel Embiid has tried to pick up the slack, scoring 34 points in Game 2. However, it continues to not be enough.
The picture moment from Game 2 was seeing Embiid’s frustration on the bench. The Sixers were a team that wanted to compete in the East this season, but they are on the verge of being swept.
One of the keys to this team getting back in contention is the play of Tobias Harris. He has scored 15 points in Game 1 and 13 in Game 2. He must be a bigger factor if they want to stay in this game, especially without the presence of Simmons.
Celtics Try for the Sweep
The Boston Celtics have their eyes on sweeping the 76ers in this first-round matchup. The play of Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum has been impressive thus far.
However, their long-term goals were affected by the injury of Gordon Hayward in Game 1. He suffered a sprained ankle and will be out for around four weeks.
“As far as a timeline, it’s kind of up in the air,” Hayward said. “It’s kind of just how my body responds to the rehab and all that stuff. So it’s hard to say. No one knows, really.”
The Celtics should be able to get by the 76ers without the help of Hayward, but that does affect their chances in the next series. So far, Tatum has picked up the slack.
Tatum has emerged as one of the elite players in the league. He is averaging over 30 points in the playoffs so far. That is to go along with Walker and Brown, who are both averaging over 20.
Brad Stevens is one of the most respected coaches in the league, and he has done a great job this season with his talent. He will try to keep the team advancing until Hayward can return.
Prediction
I didn’t have the 76ers winning this series with Simmons. Without him, they don’t stand much of a chance. Embiid can’t do it alone.
Philadelphia seems frustrated with how things are going, and they have a good chance of being swept. The Celtics enter this game as five-point favorites, and I think it could’ve been even higher.
Take the Celtics to win and cover the five points in Game 3 to take a 3-0 series lead.