The Philadelphia 76ers host the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Thursday, April 30th at the Wells Fargo Center, with tip-off set for 20:00 EST.
With the series now sitting at 3-2, the outlook of this matchup has completely shifted.
Boston still holds the advantage, but Philadelphia’s response last time out has given this series real life again.
A win for the hosts forces a Game 7 back in Boston. A win for Joe Mazzulla’s side sees them advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics: Game 6 preview
This now feels like exactly what you’d expect from two of the best teams in the East going at it.
With Joel Embiid back healthy and at his best, you could argue these are two of the most talented sides in the conference on paper.
The offensive firepower on both ends is obvious, and if recent performances are anything to go by, we could be in for another high-scoring contest.
Philadelphia will look to ride the momentum they’ve built, while Boston will be focused on tightening things up defensively and getting the job done on the road.
What are the best picks for Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers?
Jayson Tatum 25+ points
Philadelphia 76ers +5.5 spread
Over 212.5 total points
Combined odds on FanDuel: +550
Philadelphia 76ers team news and form
Joel Embiid is listed as probable as he continues to recover from recent appendix surgery, and all signs point to him leading the team out once again.
He was dominant last time out, particularly in the paint, taking control of the game after a slow start from beyond the arc.
Tyrese Maxey also stepped up in a big way, finishing with a 25-point double-double on efficient shooting.
When those two are firing, Philadelphia are capable of competing with any side in the league.
If they can replicate that level and continue to play through their stars, they give themselves every chance of forcing a Game 7.
Boston Celtics team news and form
Boston comes into this one fully healthy, but there are a few concerns after their last performance.
A poor fourth quarter – where they failed to convert their final stretch of field goal attempts – has ultimately brought us to Game 6.
Their centre rotation has really struggled in this series.
Neemias Queta has battled with foul trouble throughout, while Nikola Vucevic has yet to really make a consistent impact.
Offensively, Vucevic fits the Mazzula system, but defensively, he’s been targeted, particularly in the matchup against Embiid.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also had a quiet finish in the last game, and both will be expected to respond here.
This feels like a big game for Boston, especially on the road, with a chance for redemption.
How will the Boston Celtics lineup against the Philadelphia 76ers?
PG Derrick White
SG Jaylen Brown
SF Sam Hauser
PF Jayson Tatum
C Neemias Queta
How will the Philadelphia 76ers lineup against the Boston Celtics?
PG Tyrese Maxey
SG VJ Edgecombe
SF Paul George
PF Kelly Oubre Jr
C Joel Embiid
Key matchup: Jayson Tatum in Philadelphia
Tatum’s been in this same building before and had success, so this isn’t a spot that’s going to faze him.
Boston are at their best when everything runs through him, and you’d expect that to be the case here, especially after how things finished last game.
Tatum is great at identifying matchups and exploiting them. He did this superbly against Adem Bona earlier in the series, and I think Mazzula will orchestrate isolation spots with Tatum against Embiid here.
His performances post-injury have been remarkable, with another big one here likely.
Who will win Game 6 in Philadelphia?
This has all the makings of a really close game.
Both teams have elite scoring options, and both know exactly what’s at stake.
Boston have the depth and overall balance, but Philadelphia now has a renewed belief.
With Embiid back anchoring everything and Maxey playing at a high level, it’s hard to ignore the confidence this team is building.
Expect a high-scoring contest, with Philadelphia having just enough to edge it and force a Game 7 despite an offensive clinic by Tatum.
How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics live
Game 6 tips off at 20:00 EST on Thursday, April 30th, from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Fans can watch the game live on ESPN and NBA League Pass.
