The Sixer Sense
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76ers-Celtics second round series predictions

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 110-107. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 110-107. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to wage battle with the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. With Joel Embiid doubtful to play in Game 1 due to a sprained knee, the Celtics are considered heavy favorites.

That said, we have seen Embiid play through pain and injuries in the past. The “doubtful” tag has never meant much with Embiid once the playoffs arrive, so maybe — just maybe — he does play. And if the Sixers get their MVP back sooner than later, it’s impossible to count Philadelphia out entirely.

Either way, the Sixers will face several hurdles in the weeks to come. The Celtics have long been a problematic matchup. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are arguably the most potent one-two punch in the NBA, and the Celtics’ top-to-bottom depth is virtually unrivaled. Joe Mazzulla is an inexperienced coach, but he finished top-3 in Coach of the Year voting; meanwhile, every Sixers fan has complained about the stubbornness of Doc Rivers at one point or another.

We gathered a few contributors here at The Sixer Sense to offer up series predictions for the second round.

NBA playoffs: 2nd round predictions for 76ers vs. Celtics

— Christopher Kline

Let’s speak frankly. The Celtics have always had the Sixers’ number in the playoffs. Al Horford has guarded Joel Embiid better than anybody, Marcus Smart is maybe the best James Harden defender in the NBA, and historically Tyrese Maxey struggles to crack Boston’s rangy defense.

Factor in the questions about Embiid’s health, and it’s hard to feel confident. I do think a fully healthy Sixers team could beat Boston. In fact, there’s a world in which I pick the Sixers to win this series. Boston just went six games with the 41-41 Atlanta Hawks, and they weren’t far from going seven. That’s not an unbeatable juggernaut.

But, alas, the Sixers are not fully healthy. Embiid is widely expected to miss at least a game or two. If by some miracle he can play, he’ll probably be playing with a bulky knee brace and a lot of pain. It won’t be Embiid at 100 percent peak MVP form.

There’s also James Harden’s knee malady to consider. The 33-year-old dealt with Achilles soreness late in the season and it appeared to carry over into the first round against Brooklyn. He shot below 25 percent at the rim in that series — a laughably bad number. If he can’t consistently create advantages and punish Boston’s defense on drives to the rim, Philly’s offense will be dead in the water. Especially if Embiid’s not going supernova every night.

The Celtics have recent high-level playoff experience, having reached the NBA Finals last season. Embiid has never been that far. The Sixers’ depth is better than ever, at least by Embiid-era standards, and there is more veteran leadership on the roster than in years past (namely in the form of P.J. Tucker). But none of that feels particularly important if Embiid’s not right. And, as far as we know, Embiid’s not right.

Final prediction: Celtics in 5