Will be interested to see who Doc matches up vs the 2 big lineup. I don't think they're gonna go away from starting PJ Tucker (based on Doc's comments postgame the other night he just thinks they need to space better). When TL was playing in the 4th, the 6ers had Melton on the floor. His shot wasn't there, but he shot 40% from 3 this year and killed the Celtics in g1. I wouldn't feel too comfortable leaving him open like they did, but we'll see if Doc trusts him to be out there.
When the Celts replaced TL with Brogdon down the stretch of game 6, Niang came in for Tucker. Niang was guarding Smart, who challenged him on a drive and Niang provided little resistance. If Doc tries more Niang in g7, I hope they go back to the Smart-JT PnR and work that matchup. I know he stoned Tatum on one possession in G6 but you have try to play a weak defender like that off the court. Shrink their rotation. If Niang's is guarding Smart, run JB-Smart PnR and either get JB going downhill or get the switch where JB can roast Niang off the dribble.
In theory the Celts should be salivating that Maxey, Niang, and Harden on the court defensively together. Eye test wise it hasn't quite played out that way this series. Feels like Maxey and Harden especially have gotten their hands on a ton of balls. Still, I think they need to put Maxey in the action on the ball more frequently then they have. JT banged a step back over him in g7 and can post him up all day, and JB can shoot over him. In a winner-take all game, there's no time to fritter away possessions with JB going iso vs. Tucker or even Harris.
I know its hopeless at this point but please, just stop throwing the ball to the other team. They were so lucky to win with the 6ers averaging a steal almost every 3 minutes. Live ball turnovers are free points.