The Boston Celtics play host to the Philadelphia 76ers in a crucial Eastern Conference showdown on Monday night from TD Garden. The 76ers are the higher seed and while this series looks to be tight, that might be pending some key injuries that fans will want to keep an eye on. Across four meetings during the regular season, the Celtics won three, though Philadelphia was able to sneak by with a two-point win in the latest meeting. This has emerged as one of the best rivalries in the NBA over recent years and even with a ten-point spread in this one, fans will certainly be tuning in.
Philadelphia looked dominant in their opening series against Brooklyn but with almost a week off and a number of injuries, questions remain as to what can be expected in this one. They struggled against the Celtics this season but are hoping that a win in early April against them can help to spur momentum and confidence in their direction. The 76ers have one of the best road records in the league and going on the road won't cast reasons for concern. In the series against Brooklyn to open the playoffs, the 76ers won both of their games on the road, though each one by single digits. Beyond that, four road wins in a row on the road show the talent on this side, though the Celtics present a unique opportunity, especially as they aim to start the series with a bang.
The major concern continues to be the status of Joel Embiid (knee), especially with everything riding on this series. Embiid is doubtful for Monday night&# 39;s opener and there are serious concerns as to how many games he'll be able to play in this one. Without the NBA's MVP-favorite at the helm, it could cause issues on both ends of the court.
next stop: Boston ?? @PennMedicine pic.twitter.com/P0Fql4g6YG
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 30, 2023
Philadelphia has been strong on both ends, especially this postseason, though being without Embiid is going to alter their efficiency on both ends. Tyrese Maxey (21.8 ppg) has been the top scorer this postseason and the emergence of Tobias Harris (20.3 ppg) gives them a unique pair of players to lean on with Embiid's absence. Not to be forgotten is James Harden but the frontcourt void is interesting. Paul Reed (7.3 ppg) expects to see an increase in minutes but given the experience in Boston's frontcourt, he might not shine under the bright lights. The three-point line is likely to be a difference-maker in this one and depending on how the 76ers both defend and shoot themselves, should play largely into how this one goes.
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