The Sixer Sense
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Celtics using Al Horford to negate Joel Embiid’s defensive impact

By Christopher Kline

BOSTON, MA - May 3: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - May 3: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Al Horford has played a big role in causing the Philadelphia 76ers’ defensive issues.

There’s been some chatter on NBA Twitter about the never-ending Joel Embiid vs. Al Horford debate that shouldn’t really be happening. Joel Embiid is a better player than Al Horford. Al Horford deserved his All-Star spot. End of discussion.

With that said, you can make a very real argument that the Celtics’ big man has outplayed the Philadelphia 76ers‘ cornerstone through two games. Maybe not in raw stats, but his impact on both ends of the floor. He’s the glue guy that holds together Boston’s system.

Embiid’s struggles in this series haven’t come on the offensive end. He’s making strong moves to the rim, grabbing offensive boards, and even spacing the floor on occasion. He has been the Sixers’ only reliable playmaker on that side of the ball given Ben Simmons‘ ineffectiveness.

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His issues have been defensive, with the Celtics using Al Horford to draw him away from the rim and force tough decisions on a regular basis.

The Celtics are effectively marginalizing Embiid’s rim protection, making him keep tabs on Horford and taking him out of some help defense rotations. That allows the Celtics’ perimeter pieces — who have found mismatches aplenty thus far — to get to the rim without Embiid awaiting their arrival.

Embiid defends well in space for somebody his size, but he’s not going to lock down Horford off the dribble every possession. The latter’s ability to put the ball on the floor, get to the rim, and make smart passes has been a key part of Boston’s offense. He’s creating a lot of open looks one way or another.

Horford’s ‘beyond the box score’ effectiveness has been a running joke for I don’t know how long. And, in terms of excitement or trying to make a case for him starting over Embiid in the All-Star game, it deserves to be a joke.

But Horford is still an excellent player whose best traits extend beyond whatever numbers show up in your Bleacher Report update. He’s defending Ben Simmons well on one end, and giving the second-best defensive center in the league trouble on the other.

Next: 5 ways the Sixers can still win this series

Brett Brown and company are capable of coming up with an answer, but as things currently stand, Horford has arguably played the biggest role in Boston’s 2-0 series lead. And that’s saying something when you consider the play of Terry Rozier and Jayson Tatum.