Can Celtics Buck Alarming Game 2 Playoff Trend Vs. 76ers? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before the Boston Celtics‘ first playoff game a few days ago, Joe Mazzulla said anything can happen in the postseason.
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So far, he’s been right. The Orlando Magic upset the Detroit Pistons on the road in Game 1 on Sunday. On Monday, the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves upset the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets on the road in Game 2 after losing Game 1, evening the series.
The Celtics are trying to avoid a similar letdown in Game 2 on Tuesday night, where they’ve had their own struggles recently. Over its last 20 home playoff games dating back to the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, Boston is just 3-4 in Game 2s at home compared to 11-2 in all other home games.
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That’s not too surprising, as there can be a natural letdown after Game 1. The opponent usually makes adjustments, too, and comes in with a better game plan.
Fortunately for the Celtics, they’re heavily favored in Game 2 after crushing the Philadelphia 76ers by 32 points in Game 1. FanDuel Sportsbook has them favored by 14.5 points against the Sixers, who remain without Joel Embiid, and have history on their side.
Game 2 should be closer, but Boston should still be able to win fairly easily as long as it brings the energy and doesn’t play with its food.
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