76ers vs Celtics: Game Odds, Players To Watch For Game 7

On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics, looking to keep their postseason journey alive.

The series was pushed to Game 7 following a close Game 6 on Thursday night in Philadelphia, where the Sixers failed to shut the door on the Celtics.

Philadelphia came out of the gates rather cold, shooting a measly 28 percent from the field in the opening quarter, with Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, and James Harden all struggling to find their stroke in the early goings.

This wouldn't last for long, though, as the Sixers pulled their act together to help put themselves ahead going into the fourth quarter, 73-71.

However, this is when their offensive struggles would return, shooting a lackluster 25 percent from the field in the closing quarter, where Jayson Tatum heated up, dropping 16 points to put the game out of reach.

The 25-year-old wasn't Boston's leading scorer, though, as Marcus Smart drained 22 points, with Jaylen Brown trailing behind with 17 of his own.

Both teams enter the pivotal game with a clean bill of health.

Game Odds

Spread: Celtics -6.5

Moneyline: PHI +225, BOS -275

Total O/U: 201.5

*All Odds are Provided by SI Sportsbook

Players To Watch:

Sixers: Joel Embiid

Sunday's match will be the most important game of the season for both Embiid and the Sixers, with the MVP failing to put up his usual big performance in Game 6, it would be expected that he'll do so in Game 7.

The three days of rest could be just what Embiid needed as he continues to recover from the LCL sprain suffered in the opening series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Celtics: Jayson Tatum

Tatum is an interesting case for the Celtics, as he can either be a huge reason for their victories or a huge reason for their losses.

Take Thursday night, for example, where Boston blew an early lead, thanks in part to an 1-13 opening three quarters from Tatum. Yet, when they needed him most, he delivered, leading the game in points scored in the fourth quarter.

If the Sixers are able to keep Tatum at bay, they could find themselves playing the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Declan Harris contributes to All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @DecIanH.

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