While the NBA Playoffs are temporarily on hold due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 playoffs are beginning to heat up through a simulation.
Strat-O-Matic continues to simulate the playoffs in real-time as if they were happening right now. The 6 seed Philadelphia 76ers entered Game 6 with the 3 seed Boston Celtics with a 3-2 lead and a chance to eliminate their rivals. However, the Celtics rose to the challenge and they kept their season alive.
Kemba Walker had 33 points, five rebounds, and five assists, Gordon Hayward had 29 points, and Jayson Tatum added 16 as the Celtics beat the Sixers 127-123 to force a Game 7. Boston shot well from deep, 14-for-26, while Philadelphia struggled in that aspect shooting just 5-for-23.
For Philadelphia, Tobias Harris had 36 points and six rebounds, Joel Embiid had 32 points and 17 rebounds, and Ben Simmons had 21 points and nine assists in the losing effort.
According to the simulation, Philly dropped Game 6 at home to the Celtics 127-123. Tobias Harris had 36 points, Joel Embiid had 32 and 17, and Ben Simmons had 21 and 9. There will be a Game 7 in Boston on Saturday. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) May 1, 2020
The Sixers have won two road games in this series, surprisingly, so there is a fighting chance for them in Game 7 which will be Saturday at the TD Garden. It will be tough for them if they can’t figure out a way to contain Walker and Hayward who has been terrific for Boston in this series.
For the Sixers, Embiid has been big in this series, but they will need Al Horford to have a better Game 7. He only had two points and five rebounds in the Game 6 loss. [lawrence-related id=30286,30273,30265]