The Boston Celtics faced a stiffer test than many people thought they would in their first-round NBA playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. It looked like a cakewalk in Games 1 and 2, but the Hawks showed some fight once the series went to Atlanta. They won two out of the next three games, even winning a game in Boston with Dejounte Murray suspended.
But, the Celtics were able to return the favor in Game 6, defeating the Hawks 128-120. Boston has had three days to rest and recover as they gear up for what will be a tough series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Celtics found success against the 76ers during the regular season, going 3-1 against their Atlantic Division rivals. However, all of the games were tightly contested, as nine points was the largest margin of victory.
Heading into this series, Boston would seemingly have the advantage. Not only did they outperform Philadelphia in the regular season, but they could be facing off with a short-handed 76ers squad.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
Potential MVP Joel Embiid is doubtful for Game 1 because of a knee injury suffered in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. Embiid missed Game 4 and his status is in serious doubt as the injury was worse than the knee sprain originally reported. Despite his uncertainty for Game 1, it will remain business as usual for the Celtics.
“It doesn’t change our mindset; it does change our game plan,” said Malcolm Brogdon. “That’s a team that’s built around Joel. Everything he does, all the isos, just a high level of scoring. Now that scoring is going to be a little bit dispersed; Harden’s going to be more aggressive, Maxey is going to be more aggressive, and then all the role guys of course are going to be more aggressive. They’ve got a lot of good players, so we can’t just focus in on one guy.”
Even if Embiid cannot play, the 76ers have a lot of firepower led by James Harden. The former MVP has shown that form at times this season and will receive help from Tyrese Maxey, whose production skyrockets whenever Embiid is off the floor and Tobias Harris.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
All three are battle-tested players who should not be taken lightly. Their style of play changes drastically without Embiid in the game, which is something head coach Joe Mazzulla is preparing for.
“They play a little bit faster,” said Mazzulla. “Obviously, each guy’s more aggressive, I think. They’re more empowered, whether it’s Harden, whether it’s Maxey, whether it’s Harris. They’re looking to affect the game in different ways, and they play a little bit of a different pace.”
Boston cannot afford to let their guard down and lose their edge just because Embiid may not be on the floor. If they underestimate their opponents, they could quickly find themselves in a hole that they do not want to be in.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
Heading into Game 1, the players and coaching staff seem to have the right mindset. They were tested at times against the Hawks, which means they are coming into this series locked in and ready to perform.
They have to take advantage of the situation, as a short series would do wonders with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat playing a very physical series in the other semifinal with multiple key players battling through injuries.
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