Final: Cetics 112, Sixers 88 - Tatum erupts for 51 as Celtics rout Sixers in second half

Celtics vs. Sixers

Game 7, 3:30 p.m., ABC

TD Garden

Line: Boston -6.5

Refs: Scott Foster (#48), Eric Lewis (#42), Bill Kennedy (#55)

Injuries: 

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

Projected Starters

Boston: Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Robert Williams

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

What I’m looking for

Early Tatum: Get him in the post against a switch like Tyrese Maxey. Let him work on the block, which the Celtics haven't done all series long. Get Robert Williams involved in a high screen for Jaylen Brown to occupy Joel Embiid’s attention, get Tatum down low, and see if he can get himself a good look or some free throws. 

Defensive intensity: Run off stops and put early pressure on the Sixers to keep up. This time, don’t let up at 15-3. The stops can’t stop today. There can’t be any lapse in the defensive intensity. This is a game where the Celtics have to finish the Sixers, then add 10 more points to the lead, and then push the boundaries of disrespect. Leave nothing to chance. 

Foul trouble: The Celtics have to be careful to defend without fouling. When the Celtics are struggling with their defense, they're putting the Sixers on the line. This is especially true of Harden. If the Celtics can keep him off the line and off balance, then Philly can fall apart. 

Embiid’s frustration: He was already complaining about not getting the ball down the stretch of Game 6. If the first half doesn’t go to his liking, he might start sulking. 

Make shots: More than anything, the ball needs to find the bottom of the net. Everything flows off Boston hitting shots. 

How I think it will go:

This game is exactly why Boston was cool with the end of the season going how it did. They knew having a Game 7 at home was going to be their ace in the hole, so it’s time to prove themselves right. 

Call me crazy, but I do have faith in this situation.

First, I actually believe the end of Game 6 has carryover potential for Tatum. He got tighter and tighter as the game went on, and I think the breakthrough at the end gave him some confidence moving forward that a couple of missed shots aren’t the end of the world. 

I think Robert Wiliams forces the Sixers to adjust in a way that makes them worse. I think Al Horford tends to answer his bad shooting games with good ones. I don’t trust Doc Rivers, James Harden, and Joel Embiid in this situation. 

I end all my game stories with takes I’ll probably regret later and they're really just added thoughts on the game. This one is one I might actually regret. 

Boston by 20. 

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