Three Things the Sixers Must do to Beat the Celtics

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The NBA playoffs are finally upon us, and despite the limitations of the bubble, given the circumstances, the NBA has done more than a formidable job. As for the 76ers, they face the Boston Celtics without Ben Simmons and potentially a newly tinkered starting five with Matisse Thybulle inserted. Naturally, almost all of the national pundits have predicted the Celtics to win the series even though the Sixers, all be it on paper, pose problems for the Celtics. Thus, here are three things the Sixers must do to translate their on paper match-up to a series win.



Feed Joel Embiid Early and Often

Joel Embiid is a match-up nightmare for anyone in the NBA, besides Marc Gasol. Moreover, his presence should strike fear in Brad Stevens, especially with undersized Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis as Joel’s primary defenders. Hence, the Sixers must prioritize getting the ball in Embiid’s hands early in the shot clock and running actions around him. Fans should expect quick duck-ins, established deep post-up position, strong finishes at the rim, and about ten free throws per game for Embiid. As for Boston, they probably will constantly double team Embiid. Thus, Joel needs to make decisive decisions off the double–no turnovers–and his teammates need to make themselves available either by cutting to the basket or by finding and draining open-shots from behind the arc.

A dominant and aggressive Embiid (27+ points per game) is critical to winning this series and if the regular season-bubble games are representative of what is to come ahead, a determined and devastating Joel is looming.


Stifling Defense from Josh Richardson and Matisse Thybulle

The Celtics offense has four players that on any given night can score 20-30 points.

  • Jayson Tatum
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Kemba Walker
  • Gordon Hayward

Therefore, the Sixers must make the Celtics feel them defensively. Sixers’ fans should expect no less than active hands, active feet, continuous communication, no bail-out fouls, and a strong presence on the defensive glass. The Sixers need to do whatever it takes to minimize the amount of space the Celtics’ most potent offensive threats have to operate.

That starts with Matisse Thybulle and Josh Richardson. For Thybulle, the dilemma will not be with guarding Kemba Walker stride for stride. However, the problem will be with not bailing Walker out with fouls: Matisse must maintain active hands but also a silent whistle from the refs. As for Josh Richardson, he will probably be defending Tatum and Brown and he needs to be physical with them. Moreover, although the Sixers should not dare Tatum and Brown to drive on them, despite their improved driving games, feeding them to Embiid is a better option than letting the two get hot from outside.

For this team to have a chance, they need defensive stops, especially in the clutch.


Side Note: Despite Ben's bubble defensive woes, the Sixers will desperately miss him on defense.


Tobias Must Assert Himself as the Closer

Tobias Harris has probably benefited the most out of any Sixer from the time off. He looks faster, stronger, extra aggressive, and more meticulous with the basketball. For the Sixers to pull off the upset, Tobias needs to be a 20+ scorer and the closer for this team. He undoubtedly has the most diverse offense skill set on the team. Hence, the Sixers need to utilize that by running pick and rolls, or pick and pops, with Embiid and Horford as the screeners, baiting for switches against slower or undersized defenders.

Whether it’s a timely three, determined drive, or turn-around midrange jumper, Tobias needs to be a walking bucket when the lights are shining the brightest. Furthermore, if Harris maintains the aggressive mentality he entered the bubble with, he should be the focal point of the offense in the final minutes, specifically in a two-man game with Joel.


Final Thoughts

The Sixers are counted out by everyone from fans, local radio host, and the national media. However, they have more than a puncher’s chance to win the series. In fact, I’m predicting the Sixers pulling off the upset in seven.

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Featured photo from Philadelphia 76ers