The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are meeting for the third time in just three weeks to start the season. The Sixers took the first matchup on opening night the road, 117–116, before the Celtics evened
the series with a 109–108 win. Combined, those two games were decided by only two points — a sign that another tightly contested battle could be on deck between these division rivals.
Since the season opener, the Celtics have had mixed results in the early part of the regular season. Over their last ten games, they are an even 5–5, leaving them with a 5–6 overall record. Currently, Boston ranks 11th in offensive efficiency and 13th in defensive efficiency, just outside the top ten on both ends of the floor, despite several key offseason departures and missing Jayson Tatum.
The biggest reason for the Celtics’ success so far has been Jaylen Brown stepping up in Tatum’s absence. In eleven games, Brown is averaging 28 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 52.2 percent shooting from the field. His shot attempts have increased by nearly three per game, and his efficiency is actually higher than previous seasons. Brown scored 25 points in the season opener and 32 points in their most recent matchup in Philadelphia. Limiting his impact will likely be key for the Sixers, especially given how close these games have been so far.
Coming into this game, the Sixers are coming off a split back-to-back series, defeating the Toronto Raptors but falling short against the Detroit Pistons. Fortunately, they should be expecting reinforcements tonight with Joel Embiid slated to return. Embiid will be a key player to watch, especially after his standout performance against the Raptors, where he scored 29 points in just under 26 minutes. He struggled in the season opener, making only one of nine shot attempts, and fared better in the second matchup with 20 points and six rebounds in a close loss. If Embiid can continue this upward trend and find his rhythm tonight, the Sixers will be in a strong position.
Tyrese Maxey will also look to continue building on his early-season momentum. Through the first ten games, he has averaged 33.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from three. Maxey has made an early case for All-NBA consideration, and the Sixers will need his scoring and playmaking to navigate Boston’s guard rotation of Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons.
His backcourt mate, rookie VJ Edgecombe, will also aim to regain his rhythm after struggling in recent matchups. Edgecombe shined in the season opener against the Celtics, scoring 35 points, and this game could be the opportunity to reestablish flow and confidence for the young guard.
Heading into this game, the Sixers will only be down three players, Paul George, Dominick Barlow, and Johni Broome. George is still working his way back from an offseason procedure, while Barlow continues to work back from the elbow laceration he suffered early into the year. This means Kelly Oubre will draw most of the Brown defensive assignment, while players such as Jabari Walker or Justin Edwards should get some extended run.
For a November matchup, this game carries more weight than usual. With the first two games already split, the winner tonight will at least ensure a split of the season series. If the series ends tied 2-2, the division record will serve as the tiebreaker. These teams won’t meet again until March for their fourth and final matchup.
Can the Sixers get it done against their division rival? We’re about to find out.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, November 11, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: XFinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: Peacock, NBC
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
