The first two games of this series couldn\u2019t have been any closer. The Celtics escaped Game One with a one-point win. <\/p>\n
NBA Basketball Matchup: #4 Boston Celtics (1-1) vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The 76ers came back and edged out a one-point victory in Game Two.<\/p>\n The series shifts to Philadelphia Thursday night with everything squared up at one.<\/p>\n The oddsmakers expect a close game here.<\/p>\n Boston hasn\u2019t played particularly well in the first two games of this series, especially on the offensive end.<\/p>\n Paul Pierce was the team\u2019s leading scorer in the regular season, but he has been all out of sorts in this series. Pierce is 5 for 20 from the floor, and he is averaging just 10.5 points per game.<\/p>\n Kevin Garnett has been the team\u2019s best player in the playoffs. He has a double-double in each of the first two games. Ray Allen appeared to be finding his shooting stroke as the game moved on last time out. Rajon Rondo needs to be a little more aggressive on the offensive end for this team to win against the defensive-minded 76ers. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Philadelphia edged their way into the playoffs as an eight seed, but they are playing like a real contender right now. Doug Collins has this team playing terrific halfcourt defense. There is no real superstar on this team, but depth is a major strength for this squad.<\/p>\n Guys like Jrue Holiday, Spencer Hawes, and Evan Turner have all stepped their game up a great deal in the playoffs. The 76ers surprisingly dominated the glass in Game Two, and that was a major reason they picked up the 82-81 win Monday night.<\/p>\n Philadelphia needs to get out in the open floor and get transition baskets at every opportunity.<\/p>\n Philadelphia blasted the Celtics twice at home during the regular season, but the playoffs are completely different. Boston is a veteran team and they know how important this game is.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be surprised if they play much better in this one.<\/p>\n
\nDate\/Time: May 16, 7:00 PM EST on TNT
\nNBA Gambling Odds from Bovada
\nNBA Betting Favorite: 76ers -2
\nOver\/Under: 172.5<\/strong><\/p>\n