The Sixer Sense
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Are the Boston Celtics in the Philadelphia 76ers heads?

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 11: Robert Covington (33) of Philadelphia 76ers in action against Jayson Tatum (3rd L) of Boston Celtics during the NBA game between Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at the O2 Arena in London, England on January 11, 2018. (Photo by Yunus Dalgic/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 11: Robert Covington (33) of Philadelphia 76ers in action against Jayson Tatum (3rd L) of Boston Celtics during the NBA game between Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at the O2 Arena in London, England on January 11, 2018. (Photo by Yunus Dalgic/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Richaun Holmes
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Richaun Holmes

Time for Sixers to grow up

A function of youth? That won’t be a legitimate cause forever, but that truly is a huge component in this rivalry for now. But like any objective, an athlete must elevate their game play to earn the right to advance.  So far this season, several teams have handled the Philadelphia 76ers to the point where the team simply responds in a startled “ouch”.

In the end, for the Philadelphia 76ers to be considered a legitimate playoff team, they must play like one.

Are Celtics in Sixers heads?

Which brings us back to the opening question: Are the Boston Celtics in the heads of the Philadelphia 76ers? If they are not, they should be. A .500 season simply is not good enough to be a stepping stone to NBA post season.  Right now, this Philadelphia 76ers team has some of the pieces. But it’s clear that the team needs a fifth solid starter in this lineup. And the team needs at least one player who can score double digits consistently off the bench.

Next: An underrated contributor to the Sixers win streak? J.J. Redick.

Those are factors the Celtics leverage to win consistently. Those are characteristics the Philaelphia 76ers must address either at the trade deadline or develop within. This is a good Philadelphia 76ers team. And they are on the right track, so don’t think I’ve suddenly joined the ranks of the “Fire Coach Brown!” at every loss. But the Sixers must cross this new bridge.  The Celtics have thrown down the gauntlet at the 76ers feet.  Now, with the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Philadelphia 76ers must respond.