A preview of Friday's Game 3 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
The Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) and Boston Celtics (1-1) are battling it out on Friday night at 7:00 PM ET in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.
Game 1 was all Boston, as the Celtics took down Philadelphia 123-91. It was Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who carried the team to victory, while Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta had strong complementary performances. Tyrese Maxey was the leading scorer for the 76ers with 21 points.
It was a much different story in Game 2, with the Sixers emerging victorious 111-97 behind a historic performance from guard V.J. Edgecombe.
The rookie put up 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals on 60% shooting and 6 of 10 shooting from three-point range. Maxey, Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Kelly Oubre Jr. also had strong outings.
Injury Report:
76ers
Joel Embiid: Doubtful - Post Appendectomy; Surgery Recovery
Tyrese Maxey: Available - Right Finger; Tendon Strain - Splint
Celtics
No Injuries To Report
Key Matchup:
VJ Edgecombe vs. Derrick White
The Celtics are now well aware of what will happen if Edgecombe gets hot, so why not put their All-Defensive-caliber guard on him? White had quite a rough showing on the offensive end in Game 2, but the key to him contributing in Game 3 should come defensively by attempting to shut down Edgecombe. If Edgecombe manages to have another big night, it's entirely possible the 76ers take a lead in this series.
How Each Team Can Emerge Victorious:
76ers
Hope the Celtics' offense has another off night while Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe take control of the game once again. Coach Nick Nurse also needs to effectively manage the center rotation of Drummond and Adem Bona.
Celtics
Shoot the ball much more efficiently than in Game 2, especially from the outside. The supporting cast needs to score the ball at a much higher rate, as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were the only double-digit scorers in Game 2.
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