The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics have one of the most storied rivalries in NBA history. From Larry Bird and Julius Erving to Allen Iverson and Paul Pierce, these two franchises have been battling it out for decades. However, when it comes to playoff success, the Celtics have had the upper hand in recent history. The Sixers have not won a playoff series against the Celtics since 1982, but this year’s team has a chance to change that.
The 76ers come into this year’s playoffs as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid and All-Star point guard Ben Simmons, the Sixers have been dominant all season long. Embiid has been a force on both ends of the court, averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, while Simmons has been one of the best defenders in the league.
On the other hand, the Celtics have had an up-and-down season. Despite the absence of star player Jaylen Brown, Boston was able to secure the seventh seed in the East. The Celtics will rely heavily on Jayson Tatum, who has been a bright spot for them all season. Tatum is averaging 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
The first-round matchup between these two teams is sure to be a thrilling one. Both teams have talented players who can take over a game at any moment. However, the Sixers have a distinct advantage in the frontcourt with Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Dwight Howard. The Celtics will need to find a way to slow down Embiid if they hope to advance.
Another key factor in this series will be the performance of the bench players. The Sixers have a deep bench, with players like Shake Milton and George Hill who can provide a spark off the bench. The Celtics will need their role players, such as Marcus Smart and Tristan Thompson, to step up if they hope to pull off the upset.
In the end, the Sixers should have enough firepower to advance past the Celtics and into the second round. However, this series will be far from easy, as the Celtics have a history of success in the playoffs. If the Sixers want to end their playoff drought against the Celtics, they will need to be at their best every game. One thing is for sure, this series will be a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere.