Daily News writers split on outcome of Game 7

Ed Barkowitz

These teams are so close, they probably would be tied 8-8 heading into a Game 17 if the series extended that long.

The Sixers did a good job containing Rajon Rondo in Game 6 and must continue that to have any prayer in Game 7. There may be some hometown optimism at work here, but the Sixers' youth and athleticism is too appealing to pass up.

One thing is certain, the Sixers not only need to get to the line, they need to hit their free throws when they get there.

Sixers, 86-81

Chuck Bausman

For the Sixers to win a Game 7 in Boston against the aging veterans and the ghosts that made the trip from the old Garden, they need many things to break their way. They must prevent the Celtics from shooting the lights out. They must keep the crowd out of the game. They must be careful and sure with the basketball. They must hit open shots, even when they only count for one point and are from the foul line. Especially those.

They could do all of this and still fall short. That's what it feels like.

Celtics, 84-82

Bob Cooney

Well, if you want to stay the course in this win-one-lose-one series, then the Celtics are the obvious pick. And they might be the pick for other reasons, too, as they are the playoff veterans with experience in these win-or-go-home games, with multiple go-to players to rely on in a close game down the stretch.

This Sixers team possesses none of these qualities, and that might be a slight advantage. In Game 6, the Celtics looked as old as they are experienced. They couldn't get where they wanted at the offensive end, partly because of the Sixers' defense, partly because the Celtics physically were unable to fight adequately for their spots.

If starting guard Avery Bradley can go after sitting out the previous two games with an ailing shoulder, Ray Allen would return to the bench and give Boston a better defensive presence from the opening tap. If Allen has to start and play a lot of minutes, it really works in the Sixers' favor. Keep an eye on the point guards, Boston's Rajon Rondo and the Sixers' Jrue Holiday. Pretty much whoever wins that matchup is going with his team to the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics, 91-87

Sam Donnellon

There's an adage about allowing a young team to hang around too long.

The Celtics have done that. And in each of the previous six games, the Sixers seemed to have learned something. If nothing else, that they can play with them.

It will be about composure, of course, and if this were the old Boston Garden with all of its ghosts, I'd be more reluctant to make this call.

Andre Iguodala stars.

Sixers, 82-81

Marcus Hayes

The Sixers played their best game to even the series Wednesday. They maintained intensity. They ignored mistakes. They exploited matchups.

If they manage an equal effort Saturday, they have a chance. But if the Celtics are refreshed by the extra off day, and if the Celtics react to the Sixers' adjustments - denying everyone the paint - and if the Celtics get all of the calls (they will), the Sixers just lack the horses.

Celtics, 82-78

Rich Hofmann

Of course, the Sixers can win. The problem is that too many things have to go right for it to happen.

The extra day of rest would have to be meaningless for the Celtics. The whistles in a Game 7 on the road would have to be neutral, and maybe favorable. The team that has managed an extra gear whenever there has been a chance of falling behind in the series would have to misplace that ability in this one. And a young Sixers team would have to be able to ignore the pressure of this kind of singular sporting moment.

For whatever it is worth, I think the Sixers will surmount that last obstacle. I think they will play well - and that Jrue Holiday and the rest of them will continue to attack the rim. But there are too many other things that will have to fall their way.

Celtics, 80-74

Dick Jerardi

Neither team has been able to win two straight. They split one-point games. The Celtics won in two routs. The Sixers won with one great comeback and one very solid performance that could easily have been a rout were it not for the dramatic difference from the free throw line.

The Sixers can win this game if they: a) drive the ball, b) get to the foul line and make a reasonable percentage, and c) create turnovers and run. The Celtics can win this game because: a) they get 2 days rest, b) they play much better at home, and c) their veterans have been in this spot many, many times before.

If the game is stop and start, mostly halfcourt and the Celtics live at the free throw line, I do not think the Sixers can win. If, however, Elton Brand plays as he has the last two games and they run the ball at Rajon Rondo, not nearly as good a defender as the hype would have you believe, the Sixers can get the upset.

I picked the Celtics when the series began, but none of this has gone according to plan. If Avery Bradley returns for Boston, that gives the Celtics another live body they really need, especially on defense, where Ray Allen looks injured and slow. If Rondo is running all over the place on offense, making plays and finishing plays, that won't work for the visitors. If the Celtics pack in their defense, daring the Sixers to make jump shots, that would be a very good strategy. If the Sixers really believe they can (and they should at this point), they have a chance at a memorable upset.

Bottom line, the Sixers' offense still scares me in big moments. I can see one or more of those 6-minute periods when they can't score, and that won't do in a Game 7 on the road.

Celtics, 84-76

John Smallwood

This should be an easy call, and if anything about this series made sense, it would be.

The Celtics are at home for a Game 7 against a Sixers squad that had never been to the second round of the playoffs much less played a Game 7 to move to the Eastern Conference finals.

Slam dunk for the Celts, right? But it was supposed to be a slam dunk for Boston in Game 6, yet there is a Game 7.

At times, both teams have displayed a lack of focus and consistency. Both have had trouble scoring at times. The Sixers are here primarily because of effort, will and desire. Now would be a good time to add in some high-quality play for a full game. Why not?

Sixers, 87-81