Mazzulla's defensive strategy on the "Cameroonian Colossus" if Boston meets Philly

Joel Embiid is back in the Philly fold following recovery from a torn meniscus, and the 76'ers finished the season on an 8-game winning streak. Those two facts are totally related.

If the Celtics spar with Philly at some point in the post-season, the question remains of how to defend the 7', 280-lb. "Cameroonian Colossus". Joe Mazzulla's strategy of putting defensive whiz, Jrue Holiday, on Embiid during the regular season worked quite well.

Jrue Holiday defense ✅
Jrue Holiday offense ✅ pic.twitter.com/XVgKsaHWlH
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 9, 2023

Jrue did a commendable job on Joel on the perimeter and worked his butt off making it hard for the big man to gain ground in the paint. Holiday often had Kristaps Porzingis coming over as a second defender, but don't be surprised to see Xavier Tillman given the task of covering Embiid for limited minutes.

As Joel Embiid goes - so go the Philadelphia 76'ers. Mazzulla will go with Holiday versus Embiid, but at 6'4" and 205 pounds, there is only so much buffeting that he can take from the "Cameroonian Colossus". That is one reason Tillman was acquired. At 6'8" and 245 pounds, he can be compared to former-Celtic, Wayne "The Wall" Embry - who often took on the job of defending Wilt Chamberlain.

And don't totally forget about recently-signed, Neemias Queta. If things head south if Boston meets Philly in the Eastern Conference battles, I didn't give the "Portuguese Man O' War" that nickname without any basis for doing so. This kid is big and tough - and may see a few minutes in the post-season against star big men - such as Embiid, Jokic and Giannis.

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