The NBA Playoffs aren’t happening in real life as the novel coronavirus has the entire world on hold, but there is a site that is simulating the playoffs as if it is happening right now.
Strat-O-Matic is a fantasy sports site that simulates games and they are simulating the NBA Playoffs right now. On Monday, the 6 seed Philadelphia 76ers and the 3 seed Boston Celtics faced off in Game 2 after the Sixers stole home-court advantage in Game 1. With momentum on their side, they were looking for a 2-0 stranglehold before the scene shifts to the Wells Fargo Center.
The Celtics would not allow it as they came out on top 129-121 to respond in a big way. Gordon Hayward had 38 points while drilling seven threes with nine rebounds and five assists while Kemba Walker had 24 points and seven assists and Jayson Tatum had 25.
Meanwhile, for Philadelphia, Ben Simmons seemed to overcome his Boston hex by scoring 33 points with 14 rebounds and 11 assists. However, after such a dominant Game 1, Joel Embiid fouled out with just 18 points and five rebounds while Tobias Harris had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, and Al Horford had 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
According to a simulation over at @StratOMatic, Sixers drop Game 2 in Boston today 129-121. Ben Simmons figured out the Boston hex and had 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, Joel Embiid had 18 before fouling out, Tobias Harris had 16, 12, and 6, and Al Horford had 14, 9, 6
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 20, 2020
The simulation Sixers did do their job though. They now own home-court advantage and as the series shifts to Philadelphia, they can rely on their home crowd and their excellent play there to take control of the series. [lawrence-related id=29734,29726,29720]