May 3, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry (31) waits for play to resume against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game three in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeated the Mavericks 95-79. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

After trying to work a sign & trade for unrestricted free agent Jason Terry, the Celtics have gone ahead and utilized the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) to sign the 6’3″ combo guard.  Boston GM Danny Ainge tried to work the sign & trade angle, but Dallas chose to use their cap room to sign Chris Kaman and Elton Brand instead, after Brand was amnestied by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Per the M.L.E., Terry will receive $5 Million per season over his three year contract.  It’s definitely a bargain for a player who has consistently been one of the best sixth men in the league.  In Terry, the Celtics gain a valuable guard who will relieve Rajon Rondo of some of the ball handling duties, while also providing much needed scoring off the bench.  Terry’s strengths all play into the Celts’ weaknesses, making this a no-brainer of a signing.

Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Game number 56 on the the docket today as the Philadelphia 76ers travel to the TD Banknorth Garden for a shot at the Celtics and a shot at climbing back on top of the Atlantic conference. The Celtics currently hold a two game lead.

The 76ers and the Celtics have played twice this season and the 76ers have won each game easily. Today’s game will be the third time the teams have played in the past 33 days. The 76ers have not swept a season series against the Celtics since the 2000-2001 season when they beat the Celtics all four times.

However, with the condensed schedule, teams can and have changed their identities from week to week. As the schedule grinds on; teams need to forget about the past and focus on the future.

The connections with the 76ers run deep:

Tony Battie played for the Celtics from 1998-2004.

Jodie Meeks and Rajon Rondo are former Kentucky Wildcats.

Jermaine O’Neal and Sixers Assistant Coach Michael Curry were teammates in Indiana during the 2004-05 season.

Jermaine O’Neal and Sixers Assistant Coach Aaron McKie were teammates in Portland during the 1996-97 season.

Ray Allen was teammates with Sixers Assistant Coach Michael Curry in Milwaukee from 1997-99.

Elton Brand and Keyon Dooling were teammates on the LA Clippers from 2001-04.

Keyon Dooling and Tony Battie were teammates on the Orlando Magic from 2005- 07.

Mickael Pietrus and Tony Battie were teammates on the Orlando Magic during the 2008-09 season.

Chris Wilcox and Elton Brand were teammates on the LA Clippers from 2002-05.

Random stat time regarding the season series:

The 76ers are averaging 101.0 points on 46.4% shooting while Celtics are averaging 78.5 ppg on 41.6% FGs.

The Celtics are shooting 4-of-18 from three point land.

The 76ers have almost as many steals (15) as turnovers (18)

The Celtics have just 11 offensive rebounds in the two games as compared to the 76ers averaging 15 offensive rebounds per game.

Elton Brand is averaging 19.0 points on 72.0% shooting.

Jrue Holiday has 10 assists and 5 steals with just one turnover in the two games.

Paul Pierce is averaging 18.0 points on 50.0% shooting and has 3 of the Celtics 4 3FGM.

Rondo is averaging just 5.5 ppg but 12.5 apg.

Projected lineups:

Celtics
F: Paul Pierce
F: Brandon Bass
C: Kevin Garnett
G: Avery Bradley
G: Rajon Rondo

76ers
F: Elton Brand
F: Andre Iguodala
C: Spencer Hawes
G: Jrue Holiday
G: Evan Turner

A look at the all-time series:

All-Time Record vs. Philadelphia: 240-179 (.573)

All-Time Home Record: 140-49 (.741)

All-Time Road Record: 100-130 (.435)

Current Streak: Two Sixers Wins

Current Streak at Home: Two Celtics Wins

Current Streak on Road: Three Sixers Wins

Record against Philadelphia since 2006-07: 14-8

Largest Celtics Win: 37 points, 124-87 (12/20/87)

Largest Sixers Win: 42 points, 138-96 (10/29/66)

Single Game Celtic High Scorer: Tom Heinsohn 45 pts (12/25/61); Danny Ainge 45 pts (12/9/88)

Single Game Sixer High Scorer: Hal Greer 50 pts (2/21/64); Dolph Schayes 50 pts (2/1/59)

Longest Celtic Win Streak (since 1963-64): 20 games (12/28/71 – 3/16/74)

Longest Sixers Win Streak (since 1963-64): 8 games (3/24/00 – 1/25/02)