Sixers vs. Celtics Round 1 deep dive: numbers, X-Factors, prediction
Here is a complete deep dive into the Round 1 series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics, including everything needed to know.
The Philadelphia 76ers are off to the playoffs for the first time since 2024 as they prepare to now face the Boston Celtics in Round 1. The Sixers clinched the No. 7 seed with a play-in win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday and are looking to now make some noise in the playoffs against an opponent who will be heavily favored.
The Sixers and the Celtics split their season series at 2-2, but three of those games came in the first 11 for Philadelphia. Paul George didn't play in any of the four matchups for the Sixers while Jayson Tatum didn't play in any of the four for the Celtics. Joel Embiid played in two of the matchups between the two teams, so there isn't a lot to go off of in terms of the stars, but there is enough data to look at between these teams to move forward into this series.
Here is a complete deep dive into this series, including numbers, X-Factors, matchups, and a prediction: Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe vs. Celtics The Celtics are a strong defensive team. There is no denying that as they ranked fourth in the league in defensive rating, but they do struggle with quicker guards who are dynamic off the dribble and can attack in a number of different ways.
In four games against the Celtics, Maxey averaged 30. 0 points, 8. 8 assists, and 4.
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