Author: Monojit Mandal
In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers renew their historic rivalry. During the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics answered a six-game challenge from the Atlanta Hawks, setting up a rematch of the league’s most famous rivalry with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers will face the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals after beating the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.
This is the latest in a long series of post-season clashes between the two organizations, with the Celtics winning the previous five playoff series. For the next generation of players, this period of matches has put the clubs’ pasts into context.
Brown is the standout in this year’s tournament, averaging 26.7 points per game in the first round, second only to All-Star teammate Jayson Tatum, with 27.2. However, Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers believes that Boston’s squad is full of talent and excellence at both ends of the field.
The 76ers head into the tournament with a huge injury concern, as MVP Joel Embiid injured his right knee during the Nets’ first-round win, and missed the end of the series. While Embiid was seen working out after Sunday’s practice, his participation in the series remains in doubt.
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Because of Boston’s long series, the 76ers will have plenty of time to rest. Embiid is “still improving”, according to Rivers, but his status for the series remains unknown. Embiid scored 20 match-points and 11.3 rebounds in 3 playoff games this season.
The basketball world is expecting a dramatic clash between two of the league’s best teams, as the two clubs prepare to resume their historic rivalry. The Celtics and 76ers have a long and illustrious history, and this latest chapter will undoubtedly add to it.