Final: Sixers 119, Celtics 115 - Harden drops 45, C's can't execute late

Celtics vs. Sixers

Game 1, 7:30 p.m.

TD Garden, TNT

Line: Boston -9.5

Refs: David Guthrie (#16), Courtney Kirkland (#61), Karl Lane (#77)

Injuries: 

Boston- Gallinari (out). Philadelphia- Joel Embiid (knee, doubtful)

Projected Starters

Boston: Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford

Philadelphia: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, Paul Reed

What I’m looking for:

Don’t mess around: I don’t believe I have to say this, but I hope the Celtics don’t relax and blow this one if Embiid sits. I want to see them put this thing away quickly by running every chance they get and getting Harden to pass out from exhaustion … or simply quit on the floor. Be relentless. Be ruthless. There will be time to rest later if you put in the work right away.

Robert Williams’ impact: His rebounding and rim protection could be part of why Boston builds a big lead. I can see him extending a few possessions and finishing with something like 12 rebounds with five of them off the offensive glass. 

Defend the 3: Don’t overreact to Harden if he gets free a couple of times. Don’t overreact to any sort of drives from the Sixers. Sure, help, but don’t over-help or double gambling for steals. I can 100% see Jaylen Brown getting too caught up in a good defensive stretch and leaving his man to gamble for a steal that goes wrong. Stay within the defense and let it all work out naturally. 

How I think it will go:

My hope is that they blitz the Sixers with a run right away that stuns them and sets the tone for a rough series. I want to see them push the ball behind Smart, move it around, get open shots, and get the building rocking.

And I think they will to some degree, though I can see the lead getting to 20 early and then Boston letting up too soon. The Sixers will make a run somewhere along the way, the question is whether it’s something Boston answers and we see garbage time, or if it’s something Boston let’s linger and the Sixers feel some hope. 

I think we’ll see a win that on paper looks easy, but maybe causes a few headaches along the way, even though I think they’ll cover 9.5. 

Follow along below or in the comments during the game, chime in, and let’s have fun.