Game 7 preview: Sixers at Celtics
It’s hard to face up to the fact that this could be the last time we see Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Paul Pierce together in a Celtics uniform. That’s the backstory to Game 7, and it’s not fun to think about. The Celtics won’t concern themselves with that; they’ve got a game to play. But the consequences of this game are bigger than any other they’ve played this postseason. And then you pile on the details about Avery Bradley’s injury, Rondo’s defense, establishing Garnett, and just what the Celtics are going to get out of Allen.
There’s a lot to think about.
Here are the details for tonight’s game:
Tip-off: 8 p.m.
Series: Tied, 3-3
Broadcast info: ABC (Ch. 5), WEEI/850 AM/93.7 FM (Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell)
Probable starters:
Celtics:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Kevin Garnett
Sixers:
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Evan Turner
SF: Andre Iguodala
PF: Elton Brand
C: Spencer Hawes
Story lines:
The Big Game Attitude: There’s a line of wisdom out there that the Celtics have been there, done that, and that they know how to turn it on in big moments. They’re 8-2 in home close-out games in the playoffs since the Big Three came together in 2008. We’re expecting Rondo and Garnett to have monster games. But they both have to make it happen.
After Bradley?: Ray Allen’s ankle injury is more troubling than ever. Do the Celtics get anything from him in Game 7? Do they turn somewhere else? Mickael Pietrus? Sasha Pavlovic? Is E’Twaun Moore ready for any meaningful playoff minutes?
Own the paint: The Sixers outscored the Celtics, 42-16, in the paint in Game 6. That’s after the Celtics were averaging 40 points in the paint in their previous three games vs. Philadelphia. This absolutely must change, and it starts and ends with Rondo.
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