Preview: 76ers vs. Celtics
Photo By: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
On Tuesday, March 5th the Philadelphia 76ers face off against the rival Boston Celtics at 7:30 PM. The Sixers are looking to bounce back after what can only be described as an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. The absence of Joel Embiid was the main thorn in the Sixers side, though reports indicate he will play Tuesday, which will be a nice boost for the Sixers.
While the Sixers are looking to bounce back from a tough loss, the Celtics are looking to keep rolling, as they have won their last two games, both by ten or more points, the most recent of which a 30-point blowout against the Hornets. Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been on a tear recently, averaging 28.0 PPG and 7.7 RPG while shooting at a 50% clip from the field.
The Sixers have won both the two previous matchups this year, on January 20th and 22nd, when the Sixers won 117-109 and 122-110 respectively. On January 20th, Joel Embiid was flat-out dominant, posting 42 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his streak of frustrating Daniel Theis, who had a solid 23-point 10 rebound night. Other X-Factors for the Sixers were the play of Tobias Harris, who finished the night with 22 points, and the defense of Matisse Thybulle, who finished the game with four steals, more than the Celtics entire team.
On The 22nd, Embiid ended with 38 points and 11 rebounds, a dominant performance, but one that was overshadowed by the Celtics Jaylen Brown, who put up 42 in a losing effort. Harris had another great performance, pouring in 23 points, and Ben Simmons ended with a double-double of 15 points and 11 assists.
As it is every time the Sixers play the Celtics, the key to the game is slowing down Tatum and Brown. The Sixers haven’t faced Tatum yet this year as he was out earlier in the year due to Health and Safety Protocols. However, if Simmons, Thybulle, and Danny Green can manage to slow down Tatum and Brown, chances are the Sixers can beat the Celtics and take the season series
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia/ TNT
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic