Game 3 Boston @ Philly Pregame Analysis

Tonight's matchup against the Sixers will not be like years past.  Philly is finally healthy and looking for a spot in the playoffs.

They dropped their first game to the Wizards 120-115 in tightly contested battle.  Their starting five includes point guards Bayless and Ben Simmons, off guard JJ Redick, SF Robert Covington and finally Embid in the middle.  Their first game playing together reflected excellent shot distribution.  They also have embraced the 3 point shot and put up 35 of them, making 15 for 43%.  

The PG Simmons had a very impressive debut scoring 18 points with 10 rebounds and  5 assists.  He was 7-15 but did not attempt any 3 point shots.  He also had 2 steals and a block and only 1 turnover.  Most likely matchup will be Jaylen.  Simmons cannot shoot from the outside but has a fantastic first step and great length to dribble penetrate and finish.  Jaylen will need to limit those opportunities by shading him to the left.  Simmons while good with both hands is a left handed dominate dribbler.

I always like Robert Covington as a long athletic wing who can shot from the corners and also take it off the dribble.  He led the Sixers with 29 points and shot an eye opening 7-11 from behind the arc.  On average he is going to take 6 three point shot attempts per game and has a respectable .356 %.  best matchup will be for Jason Tatum to check him and make it difficult for those corner 3's that he likes to take.  Jason will need to be mindful that Covington will put the ball on the floor and has an active body on the glass.

It is hard to believe that JJ Redick has been in the league for 10 years.  He is an excellent 3 point shooter.  Marcus Smart looks like a good fit to matchup with him.  Smart likes to help out on defense but if he gambles too much JJ will burn him from deep.

Bayless is keeping the seat warm until they put Fultz in the starting lineup.  He is a veteran and a very streaky shooter.  Kyrie will matchup with him.

We do not have a viable answer to Embid.  Al will fight with him on the block but make no mistake, Embid is the real deal.  He scored 18 points in the opener and had 13 boards, 3 assists and a block... not bad.  He was however 0-4 from behind the arc.  If things get too rough the Celtics could send a help defender to double team but they need to figure out who to send and when to send them.  Also look for Baynes to bang with him some.

On Offense the Celtics need to move to create better passing lanes.  They need to share the ball and hit the open man.  They need to push the pace.  They need to take another deep breath at the line and knock those shots done.  They need to search out and exploit matchup advantages whenever possible.

The Rotations primary impactful players for the Sixers are , Luwawu, SG, Saric, SF and Fultz, the PG.

Terry will check Fultz and Nadar can check Luwawu.  I think Theis may be a good matchup against Saric.

Let's Get A Win

dboss

dboss,

Really nice analysis!

Sixers are another quickly improving Eastern team.

Celtics, Wizards, Sixers and Bucks are all a very short way from restoring some good competition to the East.

Regards

dboss wrote:

NYCelt wrote:dboss,

Really nice analysis!

Sixers are another quickly improving Eastern team.

Celtics, Wizards, Sixers and Bucks are all a very short way from restoring some good competition to the East.

Regards

NYCelt 

Thanks my friend.

We need a win against this up and coming team.  

dboss,

One W, as ordered.

And it was done with yet another key player on the sideline.

This group loves a challenge.

Regards