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76ers head home for 1st 2nd-round games in 9 years

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia 76ers are set for their first second-round home playoff games in nine years.

The Sixers are feeling confident after a 1-1 split in their Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Boston Celtics.

Game 3 is Wednesday in Philadelphia, where the Sixers are 3-0 in the playoffs. The city hasn't hosted a second-round game in nine years and will be welcoming home a confident, young group of players who have shown the kind of grit Philadelphia fans love.

The Celtics are trying to advance even as they fight through injuries. Paul Pierce is playing with an MCL injury that has slowed him down. Kevin Garnett is struggling to find his shot. Ray Allen says the Celtics need to start sharing the ball.

The Sixers are getting help everywhere. Even unheralded rookie Lavoy Allen has scored big baskets.