Final: Celtics 126, Sixers 117 - Jays combine for 70 to slam door on Sixers

Game 1: Celtics (-3) vs. Sixers, TD Garden, TNT, 7:30 PM,

Injuries: Boston - Gallinari, Robert Williams. Philly - none

Refs: James Capers (#19), Brian Forte (#45), Ray Acosta (#54)

A little something about the game: It’s the season opener and both of these teams are Finals hopefuls. The Sixers are hoping some new additions (PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House, Jr., Montrezl Harrell) can join Joel Embiid and James Harden to finally get the Sixers past the second round. These additions and the possibility of a rejuvenated, focused Harden make the Sixers a popular Finals pick.

The Celtics are hoping to get back to the Finals to finish the job this year. Malcolm Brogdon is the biggest addition for Boston, and the hope for the Celtics is that he can help break games open against second units. This makes the beginnings of second and fourth quarter something to watch closely. 

The Celtics will be honoring Bill Russell with special pregame and halftime performances. They're in their City Edition jerseys, which were designed to honor Russell. 

How Boston wins: Running and forcing Embiid to get back after misses. The Celtics best chance at eliminating Embiid the rim threat is to crash the boards and get out in transition. Put his conditioning to the test early. In the half court, drive and kick to soften up the defense and don’t settle for jumpers. C’s need to take advantage of wing mismatches, so try to get Jayson Tatum in the post and let some of the offense flow from there. If Embiid wants to double, then Tatum can flex some of his playmaking. C’s bench vs. Philly bench should be a big advantage. 

How Philly wins: Embiid and Harden run unstoppable pick and rolls to take advantage of their size. If the Sixers focus on punishing the C’s for their piecemeal approach to making up for Robert Williams’ absence, then they can get some easy buckets and prevent Boston’s transition opportunities. Harden getting the C’s into the bonus and foul trouble would be an easy way to pile up points. 

Things I’m looking for:

Tatum attacking the rim with ferocity. He tends to shy away when there's a shot blocker in the vicinity. Challenge Embiid and make the refs make a decision. 

Second unit dominance. That's a little bit of a misnomer because at least one starter will be out there (I think), but Brogdon is going to be the key to a lot of wins this season. 

Mazzulla’s coaching chops. I have no idea how he’ll be as an in-game coach. He might be great or he might be bad. We’re going to start finding out. 

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