Game 2: 76ers at Celtics
Players to watch 76ERS: Guard Jrue Holiday He struggled mightily in Game 1, missing 10 of his 13 shots while dealing just four assists. Over the last four games he has shot just 19 for 64 (29.7 percent). Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley did a terrific defensive job on Holiday, who must become more involved on the offensive end if the Sixers are going to tie this series.
Players to watch
76ERS: Guard Jrue Holiday
He struggled mightily in Game 1, missing 10 of his 13 shots while dealing just four assists. Over the last four games he has shot just 19 for 64 (29.7 percent). Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley did a terrific defensive job on Holiday, who must become more involved on the offensive end if the Sixers are going to tie this series.
CELTICS: Guard Ray Allen
He is battling bone spurs in his foot, yet played 32 minutes, 44 seconds in Game 1. He scored 12 points despite hitting just two of his seven three-pointers. Even if he isn't shooting well, the threat of him doing so is so valuable to the Celtics in spreading the floor. Question will be how many minutes will he be able to play?
Three keys to the game
1.
The Sixers will need to get better production from their bench. With the exception of Lavoy Allen, the other bench players for the Celtics are mostly role players, not scorers. The Sixers rely heavily on their bench for offense. They should be shooting to outscore the Celtics by a 2-1 margin.
2.
The Sixers must keep Rondo off the backboards. Of the 12 rebounds he hauled in, five were offensive. Those are backbreakers in a close game.
3.
The Sixers need to make their free throws. For the last few playoff games, the team has been doing a very good job of getting to the free-throw line, including 20 times in Game 1. But they made just 14 of them while the Celtics went 18 of 19. - Bob Cooney
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