Celtics-76'ers rivalry could provide drama in second round

Last night's Celtics/76'ers game went fast for me. It always seems to happen when the two teams clash. It came down to the wire, with Philly coming away with the win.

Boston appears to have Philly's number, but always have trouble containing the big guy, Joel Embiid. He had a line of 52 points, 13 boards and six assists and made it look easy. He shot 80% from the field and 92% from the free throw line. Grant Williams did his best to slow down Joel but continually got abused by the big man.

The Celtics definitely missed Jaylen Brown (back issues) and Rob Williams, and Payton Pritchard once again never saw the floor. Mike Muscala and Luke Kornet were in for significant minutes but had limited effect on the on the outcome. The Green seemed to get a boost when Blake Griffin came in, but he only logged eight minutes.

Philadelphia remains pretty much a Joel Embiid/James Harden show, while Boston is definitely deeper, with Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Williams III (when healthy) backing up The Jay Team.

A second-round clash between the two Eastern powers is quite probable and should have a lot of drama with it. It will be veteran coach (and former Celtics mentor), Doc Rivers versus rookie head coach, Joe Mazzulla. And the Embiid-Harden pairing against Brown and Tatum. Also, the MVP matchup of Tatum and Embiid.

If the Celtics and 76ers meet in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and all the games are played in Philadelphia, and both Jaylen Brown and Rob Williams don't play, it should be an incredible series!
— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) April 5, 2023

I will never forget the battles of yesteryear - Bill Russell battling Wilt Chamberlain. Or Larry Bird versus Doctor J. The Boston-Philly clashes still have intrigue. But can't Joe Mazzulla find an answer for Joel Embiid?

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