Philadelphia 76ers stand in way of Boston Celtics dominance

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Philly getting hot at the right time

Conversely, the Philadelphia 76ers are learning how to win now. With a 5-1 record in February 2018, the 76ers are putting points on the board (avg 105 PPG) while showing some good defense (avg 95.2 PPG). This is still a roster without Markelle Fultz nor Furkan Korkmaz. This team is hitched to the play of rookie Ben Simmons and second year player Joel Embiid, which means turnovers will remain an issue. But most of all, this is a team with the pieces falling together at the right time for a playoff run

And unlike many playoff bound teams, the Philadelphia 76ers have a ton of talent in the pipeline to reload the roster each season for years to come.

Playoff meeting?

The 76ers will not face the Celtics for the remainder of this season, unless it is in the playoffs. But that 89-80 victory at Boston now sets the stage for a confrontation should it arrive. And with the arrival of Marco Belinelli, the 76ers roster is a little deeper and robust at the all important wing position.

When the Celtics held a 3-0 record against the 76ers, there was a fear that could lead to mental leverage should the teams face in post-season. But with that last game win, the 76ers removed the troubles against the Celtics. And as the season has played out, the team is becoming better on the court and more confident. The Philadelphia 76ers will not be such an easy team to face in post season.