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Boston Celtics: 3 teams to keep an eye on from now till season’s end

By Mark Nilon

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 12: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 76ers defeat the Celtics 115-109. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 12: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 76ers defeat the Celtics 115-109. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers

Next up, we have a team that has given the Boston Celtics a bit of trouble so far in 2019-20 and, though they may have been in the news recently for some of the wrong reasons, they are still a very talented team that should not be slept on by anyone.

Yes, we are well aware that the last time the C’s squared off against the Philadelphia 76ers the shamrocks downed them to the tune of 116-95. However, this does not erase the fact that Boston lost the season series 3-1, with all of their loses being by a double-digit deficit.

As of this writing the 76ers reside in the fifth seed out East with a record of 34-21 (22-14 against Eastern Conference teams). They have a seemingly rejuvenated Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons hell-bent on proving they are a good fit together and, this past trade deadline, added some much needed perimeter scoring in a deal that saw Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III come to Phili.

With just two games between them and the Pacers, it’s not completely out of the question that the C’s could find themselves playing the towering 76ers lineup in round-one of the postseason which, obviously, would by no means be a walk in the park for Boston.

Another instance in which they could meet round one is if the fourth seeded Miami Heat — trail the Celtics by just three games — go on a tear during this final stretch and surpass Beantown in the standings.

Coming into the season, many saw the Philadelphia 76ers as true threats to the Milwaukee Bucks to take the top seed in the East. Though things may not have panned out for the team thus far, once the postseason hits all record wash back down to 0-0, thus giving Phili another chance to prove dominant out East.

With a starting lineup consisting of Embiid, Simmons, Al Horford, Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson, they have the talent to compete with just about anybody. It’s up to them to see if they can piece it all together.

This is why the Boston Celtics should not sleep on the 76ers.

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