Final: Celtics 95, Sixers 86 - Tatum wakes up late to save Celtics

Celtics vs. Sixers

Game 6, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Wells Fargo Center

Line: Boston -2.5

Refs: David Guthrie (#16), Ed Malloy (#14), Curtis Blair (#74)

Injuries: 

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

Projected Starters

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

Philadelphia: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, Joel Embiid

What I’m looking for

- PACE! We have known for a while that Boston is at their best when they play with pace. That doesn’t just mean running off stops. It means pushing the tempo off makes. It means moving the ball on offense instead of just relying on stars to bail you out. It just means keeping the other team moving and making decisions so they make mistakes. 

It does NOT mean letting the Sixers stand in one place and barely move and defend the Celtics straight up. 

- A hot start from Tatum: He has looked sluggish in two straight first quarters. How about Tatum and Brown both having success in the first quarter? How about they challenge Embiid, make him work, and try getting to the free throw line early? How about they play like the All-NBA players they are, especially Tatum, and attack this game? 

- Just show some fight: Heaven help us if they limp out there and quit. What an indictment that would be on this group. 

How I think it will go:

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I know the formula about these guys with adversity. And I know that it only kicks in when I’m truly feeling my worst about their chances. So by rule, this is the kind of game where the First Law of Celtics Effort kicks in. 

The problem I have right now is that the Sixers are teeming with confidence. Embiid looks stronger and stronger, Harden is feeling comfortable, and their role players are stepping up. 

Meanwhile, we’re sitting here wondering about Robert Williams and how he can make any kind of meaningful contribution. Where’s Grant Williams, a guy the Celtics have counted on to be a somewhat effective defender on Embiid? Do the Celtics need to change their starting lineup? 

I’m going to lean on history and say the Celtics force a Game 7, but that's coming purely from following a formula that I’ve seen and not from me feeling good about that prediction. 

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