Game Start Time – 11:40 AM on the 9th of Feb
Game breakdown:
This is personally my favourite matchup out of every other possible matchup in the NBA right now. Two MVP candidates, Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. It does not get much better than this. The rivals of the east. Everyone takes this one personally and I know Joel Embiid will be out to put on a clinic.
Boston and Philly are probably the two best teams in the East and some could say the two best teams in the league in terms of form. This game will be in Boston which swings the odds in favour of Boston but I’m not too sure if they will come out on top here. Having to worry about Embiid, Harden, Harris, Maxey, Melton etc is not ideal for any defence. In saying that, the same could be said for Boston as they have Tatum, Brown, Brogden, Horford, Williams etc. This game will be incredible and I am pumped to see who will come out on top.
76ers Breakdown:
Philly is coming into this one off a poor loss to the Knicks as they blew a 21-point lead and were very on and off throughout the game. They have had 2 days of rest to prepare for the firepower that Boston possesses and I think they will be ready for an upset win in Boston.
Embiid is averaging 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists on 53% shooting this season which for me tells us why he deserves the MVP trophy at the end of the season. He will be out to prove this to the world and also show why he should have been an all-star starter over Tatum. I’m expecting a 35+ point game from the big fella paired with some great support performances. The James Harden and Joel Embiid pick and roll and torn teams apart this season and it is a huge part of Philly’s offence as it is nearly unstoppable. Harden averages 21 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists with 1 steal a game on the season and has really taken over his role as a scoring creator. His IQ for the game has been incredible and he will be looking for an open shooter if Boston is to triple-team the Harden-Embiid pick and roll which is likely.
Tyrese Maxey is another player who will 100% try to tear apart Boston when he is on the floor. The speed and skill that he has are unreal in my opinion as he brings so much energy to the floor and always has a smile on his face just showing you he loves to play ball. Melton, Harris, Niang and Tucker also will need to have solid games on both ends to make sure their boys get over the line against Boston and I expect a good game from Tobias Harris tomorrow. He has been quiet recently but I have a sneaky feeling he will be in for a solid performance. I’ll be taking the 76ers tomorrow in what I hope is an Eastern Conference Finals preview.
Boston Celtics Breakdown:
Boston are coming into this one off a breezy win over the pistons and being the 3rd best offence in the NBA, I would say there are focused on dominating their rivals at home. As I am a Philly fan, I know for a fact that Jaylen Brown loves to play against us. He just switches on as soon as tip-off happens and it’s painful to watch. Unbiased opinions here though, Brown will probably try and dominate alongside Tatum who also often has 30-35 point games against us as well. Earlier on in the season, they combined for almost 70 points against Philly while both shooting above 50% from the field. Along with help from Brogdon, Boston could well and truly dominate this game.
The depth of Boston usually comes through most games and Grant and Robert Williams have been outstanding in those supporting roles on both sides of the floor. Rob Williams who is a menace on the defensive side of the floor will be key to stopping Joel Embiid or at least limiting his impact and getting the ball out of his hands. Stopping Embiid is key for victory tomorrow along with their pick and roll defence. Harden will try to catch Williams off guard but when you have Jaylen Brown playing help defence along with players like White, Horford and Grant Williams it makes everyone’s job easier.
The Verdict:
Who Wins: Philly 1-10
Players to watch: Jaylen Brown (BOSTON) Joel Embiid (76ERS)
Same game multi:
Philly to win
Embiid: 30+ points
Harden: 10+ assists
Brown: 20 points, 4 rebounds
Tatum: 25 points