NBA Playoffs 2023: Do the Sixers or Celtics have the advantage with the series tied 2-2?

In Game 4 of the Celtics-Sixers series, we saw a competitive nail-biting contest that went to overtime. Thanks to the heroics of James Harden who dropped a game high 42 points marking his second 40+ point game hit the go ahead three pointer with 19 secs left to get the win for the Sixers. The Sixers not only earned a hard fought victory saving their season from the brink of elimination but their superstar duo in Embiid-Harden are playing their basketball together at the right time. If they are able to continue this high level of play the Sixers stand a great chance to win the series.

As for the Celtics, it is hard to criticize such a talented team that came so close to going up 3-1 in a series they are likely still favored to win due to having up to two games at home the rest of the way. Despite losing the game, the Celtics survived a slow start from their superstar Jayson Tatum who missed his first eight shots before getting going in the second half. I expect the Celtics to look to get Tatum involved early in a pivotal game 5 matchup. A usual advantage for the Celtics is their defense which has shown up in their wins where they held Harden to 5-28 combined shooting in their wins. In their two losses, Harden was able to take over and be dominate offensively but I expect a much better defensive performance in Game 5 to try to contain Harden.

Both teams have aspects of their team that will make the difference if they are able to make the necessary adjustments over the next 2-3 games. The Sixers have performed great in their wins but subpar in their losses, in order they will need to string together consecutive positive performances. A focus for the Celtics will need to be involving Jaylen Brown in the game more offensively late in the game. Brown played well, scoring 23 points on 10-16 from the field but only took 3 shots in the fourth quarter and had zero attempts in overtime.

With the series tied going back to Boston, I believe the Celtics have the advantage primarily because they are the team capable of being most consistent. Also, the fact that at their best the Celtics are the more complete team will make all the difference. With that said, I am sticking with my original series prediction of the Celtics winning the series in 7 games.

-Harden drops a game-high 42 points and hits the go ahead three pointer with 19 seconds left to get the win for the 76ers in OT, Sixers tie the series 2-2.

Source: NBA YouTube Channel