Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3: Road Win Is Vital for Veteran Boston Squad

The Boston Celtics lost only one of their 13 home games after the All-Star break, but they dropped the second of their two home games in the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Philadelphia 76ers and lost home-court advantage.

Instead of banking on four home games, the Celtics now have to steal a road win from the 76ers if they are to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

It's certainly doable, especially with the Celtics' playoff experience, but it is not going to be easy.

If Boston drops Wednesday's Game 3, they'll have their backs against the wall going into Game 4—a Game 4 that will also be their fourth game in seven days.

Philadelphia's youth has been a huge advantage early in the series, and the fact that Boston lost home court advantage gives the young Sixers even more of an edge.

The Celtics have been riding the play of three 34-plus-year-old superstars and a point guard who does everything well but consistently score.

This team can handle just about any situation, but they aren't making it any easier on themselves.

A win in Game 3 immediately returns the Celtics' home-court advantage and could ease their minds—knowing they'll return home at least once more.

This team won't waste another opportunity to play in TD Garden—they simply have too much experience battling in the postseason.

But before they can make something of that experience, they have to win in Philadelphia, and Game 3 would be the best time to do that.