Sixers vs. Celtics: Vital Role Players in Tonight's Game 7
Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday need help.
They can't do it themselves.
Although the Boston Celtics don't have an impressive bench, they have a few role players who've become vital aspects to their playoff run.
The Sixers are a team known for their well-rounded play, and they'll need strong efforts from their most capable bench players to continue on to the Eastern Conference finals.
Lavoy Allen
Allen isn't a lock to drop double figures every night, but he's a formidable 6'9'' power forward who offers size inside and has the ability to knock down the occasional mid-range jumper.
He had 12 points in a Game 5 loss, but scoring isn't his forte. He plays considerable minutes and can contend with Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett down low.
Elton Brand needs Allen's presence in the post on both ends of the court and Allen is a needed contributor on the glass.
Garnett and especially Bass are dedicated rebounders who must be equalized if the Sixers want to control the tempo and not allow a high number of second-chance opportunities.
Brandon Bass
Bass' athleticism and tenacity in the paint will be crucial for Celtics in this do-or-die game. He doesn't need to have another 27-point outburst, but he has to complement Garnett on the interior.
He was held in check in Game 6, scoring only eight points and hauling in five rebounds.
His energy is an underrated aspect of Boston's attack, and because the C's aren't a necessarily deep team, Bass has to play significant minutes to make a major impact.
A 15-point, seven-rebound performance would go a long way for the Celtics, in what should be a competitive Game 7.
Louis Williams
Williams is this year's Jason Terry. He'd be a starter on the majority of teams in the NBA, but gladly has accepted his role on this balanced Sixers squad.
He scored 15 in a pivotal Game 4 victory, and added a much-needed 11 to help keep Philadelphia alive in Game 6.
Williams needs to be a scoring catalyst when he's on the floor when the Sixers go small and give a concerted effort on the defensive end.
While Evan Turner and Holiday have been consistent starters for Philly all series, Williams is the unquestioned X-factor tonight.
A hot shooting night from him could lead to one of the most surprising upsets in recent NBA playoff history.
