Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce could take a minute to smile after a Game 3 win over the Sixers. (Getty Images)

A preview of Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinals series between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

1. Where We're At: The Celtics lead the series 2-1 after regaining homecourt advantage in a surprisingly high-scoring Game 3 win in Philadelphia. Boston kicked up its effort on Wednesday after a lackluster, last-second loss in Game 2. The Sixers step it way up or they fold to the more experienced team here. Pretty simple.

2. The Big Number: 36. That's the combined scoring total of Philly's starting five in Game 3, an unsustainable sum unless this series heads back towards grinding games that finish in the 70s or very low 80s. Kevin Garnett nearly outscored Philly's starters by himself, scoring 27 points on 17 shots while the Sixers starters shot a combined 12-for-40. Yikes. It's difficult to decide who was most disappointing in Game 3: Andre Iguodala (10 points on just 6 shots, -16), Evan Turner (1-for-10) or Elton Brand (1-for-6 in 15 minutes, -23). It doesn't really matter. All three need to be better.

3. Key Adjustment: Rajon Rondo has been the premier distributor in this year's playoffs, averaging an eye-opening 14.7 assists per game in the postseason. Before Game 3 he offered an "it's time to get serious" message and he delivered upon it, scoring a postseason-high 23 points, including 13 in the first quarter to get Boston going. Rondo should own his match-up with Philly's guards and on Wednesday he did; If the same Rondo shows up again in Game 4, watch out. 

4. The Big Story: After putting up 27 points and 13 rebounds in his third monster night of the 2012 playoffs on Wednesday, Garnett made it clear in Game 3 that he's the fulcrum of this series. If he comes up big two more times over the next four games the Celtics are assured of advancing. When Garnett's on and has the bounce to his step, Philly simply has no match for him. His defense and intensity have earned him some "MVP of the playoffs" hype, but Boston needs his offense too, as an injured Ray Allen has been hit (17 points in Game 2) or miss (3 points in Game 3 on just one shot attempt).

5. The Facts: 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Ray Allen (ankle), Paul Pierce (knee) and Avery Bradley (shoulder) have all been banged up but are expected to play after playing in Game 3.