Boston Celtics: 3 players who could be improbable heroes of Game 7

3 Celtics players who could be improbable heroes of Game 7 vs Sixers

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the third quarter of game two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on May 03, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 121-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

2. Boston Celtics could turn to Sam Hauser if shooting is needed

This would be Payton Prichard if the Boston Celtics didn’t have the trio of Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White at the guard position.

One of those players would have to be struggling big time or suffer an injury for Mazzulla to turn to Pritchard in this game, so we’re rolling with Sam Hauser here.

Hauser has had his moments through the regular season but has only played a total of 17 minutes in this series. Talk about improbable, if Hauser is on the court in this Game 7 matchup, it will likely be due to the team struggling offensively or garbage minutes.

But Celtics fans shouldn’t be surprised if Mazzulla pulls another rabbit out of his hat and brings Hauser in off the bench like he did in the regular season to give Brown, Tatum or both some early rest in this game.

Hauser can get hot from behind the stripe but would be a liability defensively. But if this turns into a game where the Celtics are countering two-point Embiid shots with threes on the other end, then Hauser is a player who can make his mark by draining a barrage of 3’s off the bench.

Ironically, this would’ve been a spot for Danillo Gallinari to shine. Hauser has kind of been that player throughout the regular season and perhaps Game 7 to help the Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

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