No. 1s on the ropes: How the 76ers and Jazz save their seasons

• Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
• Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
• Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system

How can the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz keep their seasons alive in the NBA playoffs on Friday and force deciding Game 7s in the conference semifinals?

Both No. 1 seeds appeared to be in control of their matchups with the Atlanta Hawks and LA Clippers, respectively. The Sixers held a 2-1 lead and were up 13 at halftime of Game 4, as well as leading by as many as 26 in Game 5 before the Hawks came from behind.

The Jazz, meanwhile, have lost three in a row since taking the first two games of the series at home. Their Game 5 loss came as 8.5-point favorites as the Clippers played without star forward Kawhi Leonard.

Now, two teams that combined for 101 wins during the regular season find themselves needing one on the road in Game 6 to avoid elimination. What might help them get there?

How the Sixers solve a clutch conundrum

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