One of the most historic rivalries in NBA history is reigniting in the playoff arena as the Boston Celtics prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. This clash promises intensity, competitive spirit, and significant stakes as both teams vie for supremacy. Get ready for an exciting preview as the playoffs in the Eastern Conference are about to begin!
Check out our editorial predictions here!
Regular Season Matchups:
- October 22: Celtics – 76ers (116-117)
- October 31: 76ers – Celtics (108-109)
- November 11: 76ers – Celtics (102-100)
- March 1: Celtics – 76ers (114-98)
The regular season contests between these two teams have been tightly contested, with each team securing victories at home and away. The initial three matchups displayed intense competition and were decided in the closing moments. This level of intensity is certainly what fans can expect in the playoffs.
However, it’s important to note that these games primarily took place early in the season and may not fully represent each team’s current roster capabilities. At the time, Josh Minott was a starter for Boston as the return of Jayson Tatum seemed unlikely. Meanwhile, players like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, and Jordan Walsh had yet to solidify their roles in the rotation. Additionally, Nikola Vucevic was still mired in challenges with Chicago, while Anfernee Simons had not made his transition yet.
On the 76ers’ side, the scenario was closer to reality, as Joel Embiid was either out of shape or absent during previous matchups, and Paul George had not played at all. This presents a new level of challenge for the Celtics.
The March 1 match is somewhat more representative, albeit still missing certain key players, and was the most lopsided contest. One can only hope this isn’t indicative of the playoff series ahead.
Among the memorable moments from these matchups, the standout was V.J. Edgecombe’s debut on October 22, where he scored 34 points, highlighting his potential as a game-changer.
How Can the 76ers Compete Without Joel Embiid?
Just two weeks ago, a series between the Celtics and 76ers might have been viewed as slightly favoring Boston, yet still competitive with an upset possible. Since then, the misfortune of Joel Embiid has changed that narrative dramatically.
Embiid has been sidelined due to an appendicitis attack, and he will miss at least part of this first playoff round, possibly the entire series. The gap in talent and capability between the two teams now appears significantly wider. So, how does Philadelphia plan to fill this void and contend with the Celtics from Massachusetts?
Starting from a positional perspective, coach Nick Nurse is not inclined to utilize small-ball tactics in the absence of his star player. During the Play-In game against the Magic, minutes were divided between Adem Bona in the starting lineup (16 minutes) and Andre Drummond who had increased responsibilities (32 minutes). Neemias Queta will likely face off against a tall player adopting the same role as he focuses on rim protection and scoring in the paint. It will be interesting to see who prevails in this match-up.
Additionally, Nikola Vucevic’s performance will be crucial as the 76ers do not have the personnel to match him outside, on paper. Perhaps Andre Drummond can surprise, having previously been Vucevic’s backup and familiar with his playing style from practice over two seasons.
More importantly, with Embiid absent, the battle will likely occur predominantly on the perimeter. Even with Embiid in the lineup, the 76ers had begun to transition with Tyrese Maxey emerging as a primary player for the team. This shift has now become even clearer: Maxey will team up with V.J. Edgecombe and Paul George opposite Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. Players like Kelly Oubre Jr. or Payton Pritchard could also emerge as pivotal factors.
Boston boasts one of the best defenses against opposing backcourts. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown can be suffocating for many teams; however, the silver lining for Philly is that Tyrese Maxey seems to thrive against them. This season, Maxey averaged 30.0 points and 8.8 assists against the Celtics, demonstrating he can perform at this level. He proved last year during the playoffs that big moments do not intimidate him.
The biggest wildcard for the 76ers is V.J. Edgecombe’s performance in the playoffs. The rookie displays a mentality uncommon among his peers, having started his NBA journey on a high note and already netting two game-winning shots this season, indicative of a player willing to embrace pressure. Will he maintain that form in this series?
Finally, the condition of Paul George remains a key consideration. He has shown both brilliance and struggles in the playoffs in the past and returns revitalized after 25 games of suspension. Since his return, George has averaged 20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He must deliver this performance against one of the most intimidating wing duos in the league.
Certainly, it seems simplistic: to compete, the 76ers need their three stars at peak performance. Yet other factors for hope also exist. Nick Nurse knows the path to a title and stands as a formidable strategist against Joe Mazzulla’s moves.
Moreover, facing Boston in the first round rather than the Conference Finals may be beneficial while Jayson Tatum is not at 100%. Many impactful Celtics players, especially in the paint and off the bench, will experience their first playoff confrontations. The 76ers bring experience to the table, and the gap in talent is not insurmountable.
While Boston remains the favorite and the absence of Joel Embiid significantly alters tactics, the 76ers have demonstrated their capability to perform even without him. They enter the playoffs far from unequipped and will strive to challenge the Celtics fiercely.
Series Schedule
- Game 1: Celtics – 76ers, Sunday, April 19 at 7 PM
- Game 2: Celtics – 76ers, overnight from Tuesday, April 21 to Wednesday, April 22 at 1 AM
- Game 3: 76ers – Celtics, overnight from Friday, April 24 to Saturday, April 25 at 1 AM
- Game 4: 76ers – Celtics, overnight from Sunday, April 26 to Monday, April 27 at 1 AM
- Game 5*: Celtics – 76ers, overnight from Tuesday, April 28 to Wednesday, April 29, time to be determined
- Game 6*: 76ers – Celtics, overnight from Thursday, April 30 to Friday, May 1, time to be determined
- Game 7*: Celtics – 76ers, overnight from Saturday, May 2 to Sunday, May 3, time to be determined
*if necessary
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