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Why Boston Celtics fans should root for the Philadelphia 76ers until May 14th

By Michael James

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Tobias Harris #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Tobias Harris #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics travel into Philadelphia to play the Sixers for the fourth time this season, making this the last time Celtics fans should root against Philly until mid-May.

As uncomfortable as it may feel when Boston Celtics fans wake up Thursday morning, it’s probably their best course of action until May 14th. That’s rooting for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Of course, May 14th is the beginning of the Eastern Conference finals, and with the way the standings are shaking out, could be a series between the Celtics and Sixers. As of right now, the Celtics would have to go through the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks to get there, while the Sixers would have to defeat the Nets/Pistons and then the Toronto Raptors.

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So Celtics fans should pull for the Sixers to get the third seed, leading to a favorable Celtics-Pacers first round matchup, and then to take out the Raptors in the second round. The Celtics should be confident in playing the Raptors in the conference finals should that be the case, but that confidence level pales in comparison to if the Sixers were there waiting for them.

The Sixers are the Celtics’ little brother. Since the beginning of last season including the playoffs, the Celtics are 10-2 against Philly. Al Horford has consistently won his matchup with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons instills about as much fear in the Boston defense as you’d have watching this video of puppies snuggling with babies.

Philly’s most effective offensive option, using JJ Redick in dribble hand-offs, is nearly neutralized by the Celtics’ perimeter defense as well as their ability to exploit Redick in the post. Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris were supposed to be the additions that put Philly over the top, but they couldn’t even beat the Celtics at home without Kyrie Irving.

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The Sixers have something to prove to themselves that they can actually beat this Celtics team, so if they come away with the win Wednesday night I won’t be surprised. But of all the teams with a chance to make it to the conference finals, the Sixers are the team Boston matches up best with. So from tomorrow until May 14th, root for the Sixers, they represent the easiest path to the NBA Finals for the Celtics.

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