NBA Playoff 2012: Celtics Will Beat 76ers in Pivotal Game 7

The 2012 NBA Playoff schedule features a pivotal Game Seven between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, the last two teams to determine their fate heading into the conference finals. Unfortunately for the 76ers, all their hard work so far this postseason is going to amount to nothing.

The Celtics are going to overcome their young opponents, despite the fact that they are obviously tired and worn out from this brutal series. 

The Celtics—particularly their leaders Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce—are still as hungry as ever to win a title. As hungry as the 76ers may be for success, they don't have the same sense of urgency as their opponents.

They will have the home crowd behind them in this crucial game, and according to Garnett, via the Boston Herald: 

"

This crowd sparks you...I feel like every minute I look up I see my family, I see people yelling, I see the drunk fat guy. I can’t decipher one from the other. This crowd is ridiculous. I love it...It’s like taking a cold shower and stepping into a freezer that’s 60-below.

"

Boston fans are notoriously avid, and they've stuck with their team through thick and thin. Everyone knows that this team's window is closing fast, and they will be out in full force to support them on Saturday.

One of the keys to this game is whether or not the Celtics can establish Garnett down low in the post. He was noticeably absent in Game Six, taking most of his shots from outside. 

Head coach Doc Rivers is well aware of this, and he told the Boston Herald, "Even though Kevin had (20) points, it wasn’t the points we needed, the type of points. We never really established Kevin Garnett."

They won't make the same mistake in their upcoming game at home, and I fully expect the entire offense to run through Garnett in the post.

The 76ers are too athletic and quick on defense to keep trying to beat them off the dribble, which is what we've seen the Celtics trying to do lately. They need to establish a post presence with Garnett and let him make smart decisions with the ball. 

If they do establish him down low, it opens up more opportunities for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to get open shots from the outside. 

The Celtics may only have one more shot at winning a title with their current group. They won't waste this opportunity to make a final championship run. 

They are going to win Game Seven at home, and the home crowd is going to have a lot to do with it.

Follow @JesseReed78