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On their way to a date with the Knicks in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics lost their way and suddenly find themselves in a Game 7 of their Opening Round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tyrese Maxey has played at an all-NBA level throughout this series, but the difference the last two games has been the return to form of Joel Embiid following an appendicitis and the renaissance of Paul George who looks the part of the dominant player he was a decade ago in Indiana. As a team, Philadelphia is also defending at an elite level holding the Celtics under 100 points in each of the last two games and in all three of their wins in the series.
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While he is not just a finalist but the favorite for NBA Coach of the Year, Joe Mazzula has been outcoached by Nick Nurse thus far in the series. The Celtics have won when they have shot well and lost when they have not. It has been that simple. Maybe that would not be so cut and dried IF Boston had adjusted to any new wrinkle Nurse and Philadelphia had thrown at them. To date, he has not. Philadelphia has played a physical and harassing defense and with a healthy and active George in the lineup, been able to slow both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Concerning for Boston is Derrick White’s struggles. An issue throughout the regular season, White’s issues shooting the ball, have been underlined in this series—he’s averaging just 8.6 points. He is shooting 30.9% from the field and a pedestrian 25.6% from deep. His efficiency needs to improve.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, has seen Embiid show up and thrive in the three games since he returned from injury. He posted 30 points in Game 6 and has delivered 26, 33, and 19 points since returning in Game 4.
Boston has historically thrived at home, but the pressure is now squarely on them after letting the series slip away. As noted earlier, Philadelphia’s defensive intensity has bothered the Celtics and disrupted their rhythm.
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Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and…
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Publish date : 2026-05-01 21:08:00
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