Andre Gomes (see all posts from)

Before you eventually join me in this play please don't bet it right now...hold on a few hours as Boston probably will get more points as I expect Ray Allen to be suspended for this contest. Saying that I think we have a great value with the champs as the public expect the Sixers to blow out the Celtics. In some way this game looks like the Magic/Bucks game of yesterday as the Bucks spanked the depleted Magic at home being short favorites.

I understand that for the Celtics Kevin Garnett is out and won't play and Ray Allen won't play either as the League probably will suspend him for this contest. So the Celtics will be without their 2 superstars and the Sixers will blow out them tonight right? Well, I don't think the same as the Celtics are a team with some character at least. We all know what happened last Sunday in Cleveland in front of a national audience: they were embarrassed, humiliated and spanked by the Cavs. Tonight we have them again in a national stage (TNT game) and do you think that once again they will quit? Are you kidding me?! Ray Allen said the following after the game:


"I'm not going to lie - I'll always stand up for myself and anyone on this team. It's in my nature. They're not going to just walk all over us. I had to make a stance. It was embarrassing for us to get beat this way - playing on national TV."

Kendrick Perkins said: "I didn't think we played Celtic ball whatsoever. I think more so it was the effort. You could tell one team was playing for a purpose and the other team was just kind of like, whatever. But it should never be that way."

Yes, I know that they are shorthanded for tonight but don't underestimate the young guys. Leon Powe is probable for this game and the Celtics still have some weapons that can make some damage to the Sixers. The other important question is that the Sixers aren't the Cavs!!! If for this game the Celtics faced a confident team like the Bulls, Pacers or Bobcats for example maybe I would pass. But no, they are facing a team that is struggling badly right now.

The Sixers lost their last 5 games and surely they are lacking confidence right now. Their offense looked horrible by allowing the opponents to reach the century mark points in the last 4 games and the Celtics are a bad matchup for them. The Sixers love to attack the basket and score down the post. However the Celtics are the best team in terms of points per paint allowed and naturally they are 3-0 SU vs Philadelphia in this season.

I expect the Celtics to be competitive tonight. We all need that this game turns into a ballgame as the Celtics with Rondo and Pierce are capable to manage a struggling Sixers' team. The +200 ML odd is appellative and I'm taking as well. Take the Celtics tonight.