2012 NBA Playoffs: Sixers vs Celtics Game 7 Odds

With the Miami Heat patiently waiting in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics square off in a winner-takes-all game 7 tonight. The TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, will be the site for the series finale between two teams fighting for different reasons.

For the visiting Sixers, Doug Collins & Co. will be trying to prove to the world that they are indeed ready to become part of the conference’s upper echelon. A win over a veteran, championship-caliber team like the Celtics would do just that. With their backs against the wall, Philly responded with a terrific effort in game 6, coming away with a gutsy, 82-75 victory.

“I think they’re excited about the chance to go in there and have this Game 7 and see what we can do,” said Collins on Friday when asked about his team’s mental state. “I don’t think we have any fear. I haven’t felt that in our guys at all. When we have played poorly, it’s not out of being fearful. I think sometimes we don’t execute well. That to me has nothing to do with whether or not the guys believe they can do it.”

For Boston, they are trying to prove that it isn’t quite time to call the Big Three’s time together the “End of an Era.” Despite the fact that Rajon Rondo is young and appears to have a long, bright future ahead, the rest of this team can’t say the same.

Truth is that, with Paul Pierce being 34, Kevin Garnett 36 and Ray Allen soon to be 37, this is indeed the last opportunity the core of this team has to win a ring. But, before any talks about championships can take place, the C’s have to get past a Sixers’ team looking to snatch the baton from the aging Celtics.

“It’s Game 7. There’s no tomorrow,” Pierce said. “If this is not the most important thing to you right now, there is no way to motivate you as a basketball player.”

There’s no question that from purely a matchup standpoint, Boston should win this game tonight in rather easy fashion. The way I see Philly is a team that’s certainly maturing, but is not ready to take the next step just yet. Truth is that the only reason they’ve been able to extend this series to a decisive game 7 is because the C’s are so banged up. However, tonight, Boston will be fighting for a lot more than just another game 7 of the playoffs.

Pierce, Garnett and Allen will be playing to remain relevant in a league that appears to be favoring the younger, more athletic teams. Earlier this week, we witnessed the Los Angeles Lakers fall to the younger, faster Oklahoma City Thunder team. Many people are calling that victory the passing of the torch.

Boston will be doing the best it can to assure the only passing happening in this series involves them moving to the next round. NBA Playoff picks 2012 oddsmakers have listed the Celtics as -5½ point favorites over the Sixers [+5½]. I certainly like Boston in a blowout this evening… expect this game to get out of hand by halftime!

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