Sixers mailbag: What’s next after James Harden trade?

Sixers mailbag: Why are the Celtics better?

This question was asked in jest by our sister site Hardwood Houdini. That said, it does open the floor for an interesting and relevant discussion — are the Sixers better than the Celtics, and how will those two teams match up in a potential playoff series?

Both Philadelphia and Boston are sitting near the top of the standings in the East at 9-4 and 8-3, respectively. The Sixers have been burdened by shorthandedness due to COVID, as have the Celtics, who are also missing Kemba Walker due to knee surgery. Even with full health eluding them, both teams look like strong second-tier contenders behind Brooklyn and Milwaukee.

The Sixers might finally have the upper hand in terms of depth, which has not been the case in recent years. The Sixers may also have the best player in Joel Embiid, although it’s certainly not black and white. Jayson Tatum is an equally special talent who excels on both ends of the floor.

For Philadelphia, their advantage starts and ends with Embiid, who can punish the likes of Tristan Thompson, Daniel Theis, and Robert Williams to no end. The Celtics have no answer for Embiid defensively, and with more shooters around him, it will be as difficult as ever for Boston to keep him contained.

On the other hand, the Celtics have the advantage in terms of perimeter creation — a crucial skill when games break down, especially in the playoffs. Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker are all players you can rely on to get a bucket down the stretch. The Sixers still lean heavily on Embiid, who is capable, but the lack of dribblers and shot-makers around him is troubling. Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey aren’t quite there yet.

The Sixers and Celtics are both good defensive teams, though Philadelphia probably has the edge due to Embiid and Simmons. Also of note is Simmons’ history of success defending Jayson Tautm — a luxury Philadelphia was not afforded when Boston swept them out of the Bubble.

Few NBA rivalries can touch Philadelphia and Boston, but the battles have been fairly one-sided in favor of Boston this decade. This season could change the narrative, and a healthy Sixers would have more than a fair chance in a playoff series. Either way, it would be entertaining basketball.