Tuesday night sets the stage for the fourth meeting between the rivalry when the Philadelphia 76ers, with a 33-24 record, venture to Massachusetts to take on the 45-12 Boston Celtics.
The season series has been a tussle, with Philadelphia initially securing a win, countered by Boston in the next two games.
Philadelphia seeks to bounce back after losing streak
The 76ers hit the road after a difficult home stay with a 1-3 record, culminating in a 21-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Struggling with a 4-11 record in their last 15 games, the absence of MVP Joel Embiid, out with a knee injury, has taken its toll.
Dropping from fifth to twelfth in defensive rating, the Sixers' defensive performance is in flux.
Despite an effective perimeter defense, they currently rank 20th in rim defense, conceding a high percentage of shots inside five feet. Defensive rebounding issues and free throw attempts allowed also pose challenges, placing them 25th and 27th, respectively.
While excelling in forcing turnovers, the Sixers face the task of preventing Celtics penetration. On the offensive front, the 76ers hold their own with a seventh-place offensive rating.
Boasting the best ball security in the league, they lead in free throw attempts per game with impressive efficiency. Their prowess extends to offensive rebounding, securing eighth place.
However, limitations arise as they rank 16th in true shooting percentage. In the previous three meetings, Boston limited them to an average of 110.7 points per game.
primetime action.
🕐 7:30 PM
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🏀 @celticspres. by @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/5MjIVvh5c8
- Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 27, 2024
Celtics Continue to Sweep
With a commanding performance against the New York Knicks, where they effortlessly secured a 14-point victory, the Celtics head into this matchup on an impressive eight-game winning streak.
They currently lead by a significant 5.0 games to hold the best record in the league.
Boston's supremacy extends across several facets of the game, and they have recently achieved the highest offensive rating in the NBAeven surpassing the Indiana Pacers.
The Celtics exhibit remarkable skill, ranking fourth in turnover percentage, fourth in true shooting percentage and fifth in points per game.
His efficiency in three-point attempts is outstanding, leading in both frequency and effectiveness, ranking fourth.
In terms of shooting, Boston ranks as the third best team in the zone and eighth best at the free throw line. With the exception of an average performance in offensive rebounds and free throw attempts per game, this team looks virtually unstoppable.
On the defensive front, the Celtics maintain a formidable third place defensive rating, conceding the fifth fewest points per game.
Impressively, they have held five consecutive opponents under 115 points. What sets Boston apart is their ability to achieve this defensive prowess while forcing the fewest turnovers per game.
In addition, they stand out by allowing the fewest free throw attempts and placing in the top ten to avoid mistakes at all three scoring levels.
Remarkably, Boston averages the second most blocked shots per game. The question mark lies in their ability to sustain their dominance on the court in the upcoming matchup tonight.
