The Philadelphia 76ers are looking for a strong response in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Boston Celtics. They don’t necessarily need to win, but they need to make it a competitive game.
Can Maxey Overcome Celtics’ Defence?
The Celtics will try to make it difficult for Tyrese Maxey to score. The strategy is to put multiple defenders in his path to wear him down and frustrate him. If successful, the 76ers will need other players to score.
The Celtics will dare other players to shoot and live with the result. The defensive blueprint would be completely different if Joel Embiid were healthy.
- Celtics won Game 1.
- Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 1.
- Jaylen Brown scored 26 points in Game 1.
Tatum’s Form Key for Celtics
Jayson Tatum is rounding into shape. In Game 1 against the 76ers, Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Embiid’s Availability a Major Factor
The 76ers need to pull out Joel Embiid if they can. His presence would do wonders for Philly and the series.
Embiid might not suit up this series. All this is made possible by the absence of Embiid, who might not suit up this series.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla will keep insisting to his players that the Sixers are no pushovers and any lapse by Boston or overconfidence could cause trouble.