After being one of the best teams in the NBA throughout the 2022-23 season, the Boston Celtics are now on the brink of elimination on Thursday night, with Jayson Tatum and company playing for their playoff lives in Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Heading into this second-round playoff series, the Celtics appeared to have the edge with reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid dealing with a knee sprain and the simple fact that Boston seemed to be the better all-around basketball team.
Coming into Game 6 on Thursday night, the series has completely shifted in the direction of the 76ers, with James Harden playing at a high level with the Celtics struggling to keep up with a Philadelphia squad that has no intention of going home early.
One pundit/former player that is convinced this series will come to an end on Thursday night is, ironically, a former Celtics player who won a title with the storied franchise in Kendrick Perkins.
The Celtics has played with fire long enough and tonight they are going to get burnt. I have the 76ers closing this out tonight!!!! Carry the hell on… pic.twitter.com/vsrhMM1i46
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 11, 2023
Here are some fan reactions to what Perkins said about his former team:
Big perk done spoke 💯
— For my Ancestors (@Brilliant__Jack) May 11, 2023
Thanks for saying this, Perk. This basically guarantees the series to go 7 games now
— Jack Tilley (@JackTilleyHoops) May 11, 2023
Perks always talk basketball based on feelings and not really like an analyst
— GALIB (@GalibYusuf_) May 11, 2023
As a Celtics fan, I agree. Doesn’t feel like the year. They need a normal coach who doesn’t have an attitude, will admit his wrongs and will call a time out to draw up a play like any elite coach would.
— KJP22 (@KevPen14) May 11, 2023
Perkins gives an honest assessment of his former team and the 76ers playing the right way at the right time in this playoff series.
The Celtics will have their backs against the wall on Thursday night on the road and only have themselves to blame, as injuries haven’t been an issue as they’ve been for the 76ers.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Celtics can live up to expectations in Game 6, as it will be no easy task to beat the 76ers on their home floor in Philadelphia in order to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
NEXT: NBA Analyst Offers Hope To Celtics Fans
