76ers vs. Celtics: Game 1 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Boston Celtics are hosting the Philadelphia 76ers for a Round 2 matchup in the 2012 NBA playoffs.

It’s going to be an intense series between two rivals that have not had a good postseason series in a long, long time. That will change starting with Game 1 on Saturday.

Keep reading to find out where to watch the game, who to keep an eye on and a prediction on the final score.

Where: TD Garden, Boston, Mass.

When: Saturday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: TNT

Live Stream: NBA League Pass 

Betting Line: Celtics -6 (via VegasInsider.com)

Key Injuries: No major injuries to report

What They're Saying

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe caught up with Doc Rivers and found he’s pleased with drawing the Sixers for one reason.

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“At least we don’t have to travel,’’ reasoned Rivers. “It’s not the greatest team for us to play. They’ve got a bunch of gazelles coming in here. They beat us by a thousand two times. And I can tell you right now the key to the series: Don’t turn the ball over.’’

And while Doc would have loved to be starting a series on Monday, rather than Saturday, he’s pondered the alternative.

“It’s a short turnaround,’’ he agreed. “But I’d rather be in a Game 1 here than in a Game 7 in Atlanta.’’

 

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Most Important Player to Watch: Kevin Garnett

KG was an absolute beast in closing out the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6. He put up 28 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals and five blocks and came up with a clutch bucket down the stretch.

He decided to put the Celtics on his shoulders and play aggressive as all hell in order to get the win.

Can he continue to keep up that intensity and production against Philly? If so, it’ll be a short and sweet series. If not, this could go either way.  

Key Matchup: Jrue Holiday vs. Rajon Rondo

These two elite point guards will be going head-to-head and hoping to control the flow of their respective offenses.

Rondo was the best setup artist in the league this year and has only gotten better in the playoffs. Holiday has boosted his scoring and overall production immensely over his regular-season numbers this postseason.

It’ll be interesting to see what they do to try and stop one another and force turnovers.

Prediction

Celtics 95, 76ers 90