Ranking the 3 biggest obstacles for the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference
1. Philadelphia 76ers
So far this season, it has seemed like an impossible task for the Boston Celtics to overcome the Philadelphia 76ers. While there is no need to panic just yet, Danny Ainge should look at these losses as a sign that his work of building a contender is not quite finished.
Let’s start with the first and most obvious point: there is not a single player on the roster capable of stopping Joel Embiid. When on his game, there are few teams in the league capable of slowing down the supersized All-Star.
The problems don’t end there though. Philadelphia has size throughout the entire roster, with the 6″6 Josh Richardson being the shortest 76ers starter. Daniel Theis, at 6″8, is Boston’s tallest player. You could deem these numbers as arbitrary, but in a seven game series where the pace is slowed and half court offense is more prominent, having the taller and lengthier team has distinct advantages.
Beyond physical attributes, it appears the the 76ers simply seem to have the Celtics’ number so far this season. Even without Embiid in their most recent contest last week, the 76ers bested the Celtics by 11 points. Of the four double digit losses the Boston Celtics have had this season, two of those came against Philadelphia.
Next. 3 things the C's should not do this trade season. dark
It isn’t always sunny in Philadelphia for the C’s, and the darkness could continue if the two teams meet in the second round, which is what would happen if the season ended today and the two franchises advanced as expected. While facing this obstacle could ultimately strengthen the Celtics for their title push, it could more likely end in defeat unless Brad Stevens can game-plan a way to finally beat them this year.