Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: A battle of two elites

The NBA trade deadline week brought us a huge banger as we learned that Kyrie Irving is now a part of the Dallas Mavericks. With the deadline just a couple of days away, we can learn a lot of big names being moved. Anyway, in this NBA game, the Boston Celtics are going to take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Celtics come into this game after defeating the Pistons 111:99 as Jayson Tatum dipped 34 points and Robert Williams III collected 15 rebounds. They have won three of their last four games but in an extended window, they have four losses and three wins. However, thanks to a nine-game winning streak, which was the second time the team hit such a streak. They have been in amazing touch, having won 34 and losing just 16.

The team’s play has fallen a bit ever since Marcus Smart has been out but the Guard rotations are still solid. They have Jaylen Brown who is averaging 27 points a game as the Shooting Guard whereas Malcolm Brogdon is averaging close to 15 points. Jayson Tatum is averaging over 30 points. Al Horford’s production has been down and age is catching up to him. Overall, the Celtics have a solid chance at making another final run but the East is also getting only loaded.

The 76ers come into the game after losing 97:108 against the Knicks despite a 31 points and 14 rebounds performance by Joel Embiid. They have split the last four games but in an extended window, they have scooped up nine wins in 11 games. Their superb play has brought them 34 wins and 18 losses, an impressive eight wins in nine games away from home.

This has been possible due to the amazing Pick N Roll option through Embiid and Harden while the defense has been stellar. Having Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris gives depth to the offense but it is the defensive pride that these two bring which gets the gears going. Apart from these four, De’Anthony Melton and PJ Tucker are terrific defenders but the bench has big scoring issues.

• Celtics: OUT: Marcus Smart, Danilo Gallinari. PROBABLE: Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams III, Luke Kornet;
• 76ets: QUESTIONABLE: Joel Embiid.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Jayson Tatum(32+ Points), Jaylen Brown(27+ Points), Joel Embiid(26-32 Points)- QUES;
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Joel Embiid(11-14 Rebounds), Jayson Tatum(10-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: James Harden(10-12 Assists), Derrick White(6-7 Assists).

This can be the East Finals preview considering the rankings of both squads. They are both tight-knit at both ends and have multiple options to rely upon when it comes to scoring. One advantage that Celtics here has is the home-court advantage but the 76ers have been decimating home teams at an unprecedented rate. I expect the Celtics to break the trail and predict a scoreline of 124:116 in their favor.