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Celtics outplay Sixers
The Celtics have outplayed the Sixers in their recent playoff matchup, with the Celtics leading the series 2-1. The Sixers had high hopes for this series after James Harden put up an impressive 45 points in the first game, but the Celtics have proven to be the better team. The Celtics have more players who can score, more players who can defend, and they have consistently responded to the Sixers’ runs with big shots.
The Sixers’ MVP Joel Embiid had a great game, putting up 30 points and 13 rebounds. However, the problem for the Sixers was James Harden. In games two and three combined, Harden was 3 of 23 from the field, an inexcusable performance from the team’s best player. Harden seemed to have lost confidence, and it showed in his inability to hit shots.
Other under-performers for the Sixers included Maxey, Tobias Harris, and Ben Simmons. Maxey had 13.6 assists, but he was unable to get it done and his shots were often blocked. Harris only put up 7 points and 4 rebounds, and Simmons seemed to be lacking confidence on the court.
On the other hand, the Celtics were led by Jason Tatum, who had 27 points, though he was only 3 of 10 from three-point range. Al Horford had his usual strong performance against the Sixers, going 5 for 7 from the three-point line and scoring 17 points. Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Derek White, and Jalen Brown all put in solid performances, helping the Celtics secure the victory.
The Celtics have outplayed the Sixers in this matchup, and it is clear that they are the better team. The Sixers will need to step up their game if they want to have a chance at winning the series.
Celtics likely to win series
In game one, the Celtics had a strong start, with 44.2% field goal percentage compared to the Sixers' 39.7%. The Celtics also had a better three-point percentage, 43.2% to 35.6%, and they had more fast break points, 15 to 7. They also had more points off turnovers, 20 to 15. Brown and Embiid were the only stars that showed up to play for the Sixers, while the Celtics had both Brogdon and Tatum playing well.
Given the stats, it is likely that the Celtics will win the series. The Sixers will need to have both Harden and Maxey score 25 points in two of the three games, and Harris will need to score over 20 points in two or three of the games. This is a tall order, and it is unlikely that the Sixers will be able to accomplish this.
The Grand Schwalbini predicts that the Celtics will win the series, four games to two. He is still rooting for the Sixers, but it looks like the Celtics will be too much for them. The Sixers need to step up their game if they want to have a chance of winning the series.
