The Sixers are running out of time to make a push for the playoffs and they start the second half off with a familiar and difficult opponent.
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to kick off the final stretch of the regular season, coming off a forgettable pre-All-Star break. Their first test? A showdown with their longtime rivals, the Boston Celtics.
The last two matchups between these teams had very different outcomes. On Christmas Day, the Sixers secured one of their biggest wins of the season, defeating Boston 118-114. However, in their most recent meeting, Philadelphia led for most of the game before collapsing and blowing a double-digit lead. Since then, things have only gotten worse. The Sixers have struggled with inconsistency, and a five-game losing streak has sent them spiraling out of the playoff race.
To snap this skid, the Sixers will need several factors to work in their favor — starting with their health. Injuries remain a key concern. Tyrese Maxey missed the final game before the break with a knee contusion, while Paul George has been in a serious slump, coming off one of his worst performances in recent memory. If the Sixers hope to turn things around, George must be more aggressive and knock down perimeter shots despite dealing with his extensor tendon injury in his left pinky finger.
The good news? The team’s overall health appears to be improving. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that everyone except Jared McCain, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon and Justin Edwards participated in early-week practice. However, Lonnie Walker IV is not yet officially part of the team, so don’t expect him to be available for this matchup.
As for the Celtics, they’ve lived up to the preseason hype, establishing themselves as one of the NBA’s true juggernauts. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both playing at an All-Star level, Boston boasts a deep, well-rounded roster featuring Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porziņģis and Payton Pritchard.
Right now, the Celtics rank in the top five in both offensive and defensive rating, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the floor. The Sixers, meanwhile, have struggled in both areas, sitting with the eighth-worst offense and ninth-worst defense in the league.
With the Sixers desperate to stay in the playoff race and the Celtics continuing to dominate, this matchup is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Philadelphia. Can they recapture their Christmas magic, or will Boston hand them yet another tough loss?
Game details
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:00pm ET
Where: The Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: TNT
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers