Game Preview: Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers

By Josh Wilson | Jan 24, 2016

Jan 6, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens directs his team on the court during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia 76ers look to use winter storm Jonas to their advantage against the Boston Celtics on a postponed Sunday night ball game.

Boston Celtics (23-21) @ Philadelphia 76ers (6-38), 7PM, Wells Fargo Center

The Philadelphia 76ers are feeling good going into Sunday night’s game against the Boston Celtics. The game is one they have the pleasure of being at home for, and they’re also coming off of an impressive win against the Orlando Magic, the first Eastern Conference team they’ve won against all season. Although their record doesn’t give reason for the Celtics to be intimidated by the team, there’s good reason for head coach Brad Stevens to be preparing his guys for a tough battle.

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This game was one of two games to be postponed by the NBA due to winter storm Jonas that swept through much of the East Coast. Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and even parts of North Carolina were hit pretty hard. Philly had quite a bit of snow. Those living in Philly took advantage of it, as a large crowd was present at the art museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway sledding down the steps.

The Sixers go into this game with a beefed up home-court advantage. Not only are they at home, but they got an extra day off, and don’t have to be on as much of a change-of-schedule as the Celtics are. The Sixers didn’t practice on Saturday, but still, most players will do some conditioning at home to keep them ready for the game on Sunday. From a simply logistical standpoint, this game favors the Sixers greatly.

The Celtics had to play on Friday, and they likely also had to change their travel plans to Philadelphia, both things that could impact the toughness of this game for them. On Friday, the Celtics beat the Chicago Bulls 110-101.

Forgetting anything off of the court that impacts the game though, let’s look at how the Celtics have come prepared all season so far.

The Celtics have been fairly impressive all year, with high statistics per game. They’re fourth in the league in assists, seventh in points, fourth in steals, and fifth in made field goals. Right now they sit at seventh in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-21.

Both of these teams like to play with high pace. The Sixers are sixth in the league in overall pace, and the Celtics are fourth. This should be a quick-moving game with lots of possessions and chances to score for each team. As long as both teams can keep their turnovers low and sink shots at a fairly high rate, it should also be a high-scoring game.

The Celtics are good at forcing turnovers, though, and also have the third best defensive rating in the league, so those are both areas the Sixers will need to overcome.

Final take

Despite having to change travel plans and be at a disadvantage to the well-rested Sixers, the Boston Celtics are the better team in this matchup. Their defensive ability and ability to force turnovers will almost certainly overcome the Sixers and their recently found ability to score.

Next: Ish Smith Is A Lightning Rod For Sixers

Where to catch the game

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