Eagles' WR DeVonta Smith predicts a Celtics win vs. Sixers in Game 7

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith isn't shy about where his allegiance lies when it comes to the NBA.

A noted fan of the Boston Celtics despite growing up in Louisiana, Smith was asked ahead of his celebrity softball game about the highly anticipated Game 7 matchup between Boston and the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Boston’s gonna bring it home,” Smith said confidently.

The prediction adds another layer to one of the NBA's most historic rivalries. This marks the 16th playoff meeting between the Celtics and Sixers, and the ninth time the series has gone the distance to a Game 7. Historically, Boston has had the edge, owning 27 Game 7 victories—the most in NBA history—and a 6-2 record against Philadelphia in those winner-take-all matchups. The most recent Game 7 between the teams came in 2023, when Jayson Tatum delivered a historic 51-point performance to eliminate the Sixers. Now, the two sides will meet again in Boston, with the Celtics trying to avoid blowing a 3-1 series lead.

Momentum, however, has shifted dramatically. After Boston controlled much of the series early, Philadelphia has surged behind standout performances from the dynamic trio of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid. The Sixers have outscored the Celtics significantly over the past two games and already secured two wins at TD Garden, setting the stage for a high-pressure finale. Adding to the intrigue is Tatum's health. After missing most of the season recovering from an Achilles injury, he has looked dominant throughout the series, but exited Game 6 early with what he described as minor leg stiffness. While he downplayed the concern, his condition will be closely monitored heading into Game 7.