JJ Redick passes to Ben Simmons against Marcus Smart in Game 4. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- The Celtics can advance to the East finals and a meeting with the Cavaliers for the second straight season with a win tonight in Game 5 against the Sixers.
But, it won't be easy.
Even in spite of Boston's 3-1 series lead, turnovers and offensive rebounding have been an increasing issue for Brad Stevens' bunch.
"I thought that, when you look at the difference in possessions, those are going to stand out to you," Stevens said. "They've been great on the glass all series. Our turnovers have progressively risen, and we're going to have to get those back down."
In the Celts' four games so far, their turnover totals have gone from 10 to 9 to 13, then 15 in a Game 4 loss.
Philadelphia's controlled the offensive glass every game for a 56-25 overall margin.
Al Horford saw how motivated the Sixers were at home with their backs against the wall, and he expects that same fight again tonight at the Garden.
"Obviously, they're going to come out aggressive, and we have to come out the same way," he said. "At home, you know, we have to protect our home. They did what they were supposed to do here. We were able to steal one on Saturday, they protected their home court, and we have to go home and protect ours."
Tip-off is at 8 p.m.
No team in NBA history has ever blown a 3-0 series lead, and the Celts sit 6-0 at home this postseason.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports