Despite having one of their most fun regular-season outings ever, the Boston Celtics have been quick to face a win-or-go-home situation. The Philadelphia 76ers have forced a Game 7 back to Boston with all the momentum on their side. At this rate, it doesn't even matter if the Celtics overcome the Sixers again because, from how they've fared, it's hard to see them beating the New York Knicks next round.
Let's start with the Sixers. They haven't just won the last five quarters against the Celtics. They have straight up demolished them. It really feels like the Sixers have taken over this series and it's hard to figure out how the Celtics will get it back.
Derrick White still looks completely rattled. Boston's frontcourt rotation has been exploited by Philadelphia whether by Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are doing what they can but Philadelphia is blanketing them while daring anyone else to beat them.
There are alternatives to go to. While the game was pretty much out of hand, the Celtics' bench actually made up some ground against the Sixers starters. With Philadelphia looking like they have figured Boston out, they can trot it out just to see if they have something to combat the Sixers' recent resurgence.
They may succeed, but having to take this long to beat a No. 7 seed is not a good look, especially knowing the Knicks are right there waiting for them.
It just feels like the Celtics don't have what it takes to compete against the Knicks
The Celtics' recent struggles over the last three games have coincided with the Knicks making pretty light work out of the Hawks in the same timespan, give or take. New York has straight-up dominated Atlanta over the last three games, which is precisely why they are waiting for the winner of this series and not Boston.
They arguably heve even more ingredients of a winner than Philly does, as they have an elite scoring guard (Jalen Brunson), two-way wings who will make life hell for the Jays (OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges), and a dominant big man who has gone on a tear in these playoffs (Karl-Anthony Towns).
They have more parts too. It's fair to suggest that New York has more of a complete team than Philadelphia does. They've struggled with their consistency, but this is basically the same team that took out Boston last year. If the Celtics took the Sixers out in Game 5, there would be more confidence in Round 2, but now, they're tied three games apiece, and all the momentum is going against them.
It'd be sweet to beat the Sixers again, but it might not be worth it if the Knicks send the Celtics home yet again.
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