2018 NBA Playoffs Conference Semi-Finals Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers: Preview and Prediction

NBA playoff schedule: Celtics vs. 76ers

(All times Eastern)

The 76ers and the Celtics are one the classic rivalries in sports. Tonight, they resume their hostilities after a long hiatus. Both teams are blessed with exceptional young players – so this might just be the beginning of many future playoff match-ups. The Sixers are the hottest team in the NBA right now. The Celtics are maybe the gutsiest. Somethings gotta give. The Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks in a tight seven game series while playing without there three best players. Can they compete with said injuries against the red-hot 76ers?

Lets take a look.

Why will the 76ers win?

They are healthier and are playing as well as any team in the NBA right now. The Sixers have a much deeper bench. They will need to control the tempo of the game and make the Celtics play at a faster pace. Joel Embiid had trouble in the regular season against the Celtics Al Horford. If that continues, it will make it tough on the 76ers. Basically, it all comes down to this for the 76ers. Use their speed, pace up, and shoot the ball well and they win the series.

Why will the Celtics win?

Coaching. Brad Stevens is a great basketball coach. He matches his team up extremely well–giving them their best chance to win  The Celtics have to make these games ugly to win them. The Sixers are much more talented. If they can get ugly, the Celtics might have a chance.

Prediction: If the Celtics were healthy we would be looking at a great seven game series. But with the injury situation being what it is, the Celtics will not be able to prevail in a best of seven series. 

Sixers in 5

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