76ers: Ranking the team’s biggest threats in the Atlantic Division this year

Boston Celtics

The Sixers lost to the Celtics in a close 7-game series in the second round of the playoffs last season. They would eventually fall to the Miami Heat, in what would be yet another tight 7-game series for the Celtics.

Boston would waist no time working to retool their roster, as they look to return right back to were they left off last season.

The Celtics got busy this offseason. In June, they struck a deal with the Washington Wizards acquiring all-star center Kristaps Porzingis, who had just come off averaging career-highs in points, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage.

Most recently, as a part of the Damian Lillard deal sending him to Milwaukee, Boston acquired all-star guard Jrue Holiday from Portland just a few weeks ago. These moves significantly bolsters their roster, transforming them into one of the best defensive minded starting fives in the league.

Boston’s missing some much needed depth

As great as their starting lineup is projected to be, it’s hard to say the same for their bench. While they’ve still retained notable players like Al Horford and Derrick White, they’re definitely going to need a few more positional role players to complete their roster.

This is hopefully something Philadelphia takes advantage of early on in the season. Patrick Beverley’s energy could be a nightmare for an unprepared second unit. Players like Paul Reed or even Kelly Oubre Jr. can provide energy off the bench that Boston just might be ready to handle.