76ers Trying to Steal Game 2 in Boston Against Celtics
Posted by admin on May 21st, 2012
Back in the day, a Sixers, Celtics series in the playoffs was a premier event of the NBA. While the likes of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain are not around today, the geographic nature of this pairing always provides for lively play and competition. So it was, in game one on Saturday, with Boston coming from behind to edge Philadelphia 92-91. Game two is tonight and can be seen nationally on TNT beginning at 7:00ET.
The Sixers were entering this second round of the postseason off an improbable first round conquering of the leagues top seeded Chicago Bulls. Philadelphia became one of the few eighth and last seeded teams to beat the first seed in NBA history. They, of course, were greatly aided by Bulls super star Derrick Rose going down in game one with a torn ACL. Then, in game three, Chicago lost the energy of Joakim Noah, when the starting center suffered a badly turned ankle and would not appear in the last three contests. Give Philly’s coach Doug Collins credit for some nice moves to matchup against what remained of the Bulls depleted core and the result was a 76ers series victory four games to two.
Boston had their hands full for the first round against an Atlanta team with home court advantage. Ray Allen was hurt for the Celtics, who also had to play a game minus Rajon Rondo when he was suspended for bumping an official. With their coach, Doc Rivers doing his usual solid job from the bench, they too won in six games in the opening round versus the Hawks.
On Saturday in game one, Rajon Rondo had a triple double of 13 points, 17 assists and 12 boards, while Kevin Garnett sank 29 points of his own. Evan Turner had a double, double of 16 points and 10 rebonds and Andre Igoudala led the losers with 19 points. Click here to see NBA odds, stats, and any player injury news.
In tonight’s contest, Boston is a 4.5 point home favorite on a $110/$100 moneyline. The same moneyline exists for the over / under of 174 total points.
