Uriah Young
I wish I could be optimistic about the Sixers, but Boston is just…Boston.
I think Brad Stevens is a superior coach and will gameplan for every aspect of what Brett Brown will do. As much as Horford knows about his former team, Stevens knows the same about him. I do not see Horford being as effective as he was in the regular season against the Celtics. Embiid will probably overthink everything and play with boulder-sized pressure on both shoulders. I foresee Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum having a field day against the Sixers. Without Ben Simmons’ size and defensive contribution, the Sixers will struggle against the versatile players in Brad Stevens’ system.
There is a reason the Celtics have finished near the top of their conference in the last several years, despite losing Al Horford and Kyrie Irving. They are well coached and primed for a deep run into the postseason.
Lastly, Kemba Walker is in a position to finally make some progress toward a championship. After languishing in the doldrums of Charlotte his entire career, he has a chance to go farther than he has ever gone. This new opportunity will motivate him like never before.
If the Sixers are not careful, they could get run out of the gym in Orlando, setting up a tumultuous offseason in the Sixers’ front office. When it is all said and done, I see the Celtics winning in six.