Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3: What Boston Must Do to Gain Advantage and Advance

The Boston Celtics will travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers at 7:00 p.m. ET tonight — Wednesday, May 16.

Boston absolutely needs to win this game to reclaim home-court advantage and get a lead in the series, as Philly was able to steal Game 2 at the Garden.

Should they fail to do that, they might find themselves on a slippery slope that will end with the team going home at the end of this round.

Let’s take a look at what the C’s must do to succeed and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Close Strong

The Sixers have been dominant in close games this postseason. They are able to take care of the ball and be efficient while limiting mental mistakes.

If the Celtics build a late lead, they can’t afford to take their foot off the gas. They are up against a dangerous group that has nothing to lose as an underdog No. 8 seed.

Play Celtics Defense

Both of the teams in this series have been excellent all year long on the defensive end. Boston has a slight edge and that can be attributed to their veteran leadership, competitive fire and knowledge that their championship window will shut once they are eliminated.

Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley need to hound the ball-handlers, Paul Pierce needs to lock down the wings and Kevin Garnett has to protect the paint.

It will not be easy, but if anyone can do it, it is this cagey bunch.

Limit Turnovers

According to ESPN’s Chris Forsberg, coach Doc Rivers made it quite clear to the Celtics before the second round started that they cannot turn the ball over.

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"They want to get into transition, and when they are in transition, they score," said Rivers. "When they are in half court, it's a little more difficult, so that's going to be our task. ... Listen, we're not going to outrun them, they are faster than us, they are going to win the track meet, no doubt about that. We have to find a way to get them to play in the half court."

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They had 13 TO’s in a narrow Game 1 win and 17 in a Game 2 defeat. Those just aren’t acceptable numbers and the team has got to try even harder to hold onto the ball.

If they can keep the passes on point and the dribbling steady, Boston will emerge victorious.