Boston Celtics: Can Al Horford Handle Joel Embiid Again?
The Boston Celtics need another great performance from Al Horford on Joel Embiid against the 76ers
The Boston Celtics have their second meeting in three games coming up against the Philadelphia 76ers, and their fourth meeting on the season. So far, the Celtics have won every game, and it has become clear that Al Horford vs Joel Embiid is the most important matchup of the game.
When you take into account that both Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart are questionable, and there is absolutely no doubt this is the most important matchup of the game. Horford has been building a phenomenal defensive player of the year campaign this season, and one of the reasons why is his ability to shut down the young versatile bigs like Embiid.
In their first meeting, Horford did a great job of containing Embiid. What he does on the boards feels inevitable, but the 76ers know they need more than 11 points from Embiid to get a victory. Embiid sat out their next game, and the Celtics had a comfortable victory behind a stellar night from Irving. Then, in the most recent matchup, Embid was also contained, finishing with just 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Clearly, Horford is comfortable defending Embiid, and that is going to be the most important thing when you are playing the 76ers. Ben Simmons can cause a lot of problems, but Embiid opens up everything he wants to do, and his ability to space the floor is essential for a ball handler that can’t shoot.
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Dario Saric can also cause problems, but he does a lot of damage because of the impact Embiid has on the defense. When Horford is able to contain Embiid, as he has done every meeting this season, it handcuffs everything the 76ers want to do, and will usually lead to a victory.
The biggest question for this game is going to be if Horford can continue his success, or if Embiid will finally have a breakout game. Obviously, Horford and the Celtics do a great job at keeping Embiid uncomfortable, and making sure he is not in a position to take over the game.
The problem is that Embiid can often just impose his will in this area. You have those moments where you feel as though the defense does not matter, and Embiid is going to do whatever he wants. The Celtics are not worried about him showing those flashes, because it happens all the time.
What the Celtics need to pay attention to is not letting Embiid destroy the rest of the game. There are going to be times when Embiid wins the individual matchup, and makes the kind of move that no one in the league can guard. The real danger, however, is what follows those kinds of moves. When defenses have to adjust because of the damage Embiid is doing, then everything can collapse for the defense.
When you have someone you trust as much as Horford, it is a lot easier to just let Embiid have those moments where he is unstoppable, without completely changing your approach to account for it. The Celtics have the confidence that Embiid is not going to singlehanded take over the game when Horford is guarding him. And, if Embiid is not taking over the game, then the Celtics know there is no reason for them to blow the game.
The status of Smart and Irving does change the importance of this matchup, but the Celtics are going to be expecting some resistance from Horford no matter the situation. Horford has proven he can handle this matchup as much as he needs to win, and that will once again be put to the test.
One issue is also how much can u trust that Horford will continually slow him down. It is one thing to have these occasional games where you win the battle. So far, Horford has won this battle every time they have met, and you know 76ers fans are just waiting for Embiid to really take over and dominate, no matter what Horford is doing.
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This matchup is also a showdown of the two players fighting for that starting center position for the East All Stars. These are two of the best centers in the league, and two of the most versatile at that position. You can nit pick whatever stats you want to validate which of the two you prefer, but all that matters right now is Horford getting the better of him for one more game, and securing another victory,