Tonight’s clash with Celtics is a must-win for the Sixers

The 76ers completed the sweep of the Hornets last night 118-114 as my prediction was almost close to being fully fulfilled. It was a closer win, Simmons, Butler, and Harris all had over 20 points and started out sluggish. I missed on the triple-double for Ben, and Mike Scott literally scored 0. You win some and you lose some. But tonight is a MUST win vs Boston.

Significance

This is an enormous game for momentum, the standings, and the Sixers well being. They are 0-3 on the season vs Boston and always seems to find ways to lose. Embiid is back, Gordon Hayward may be out and Al Horford is listed day-to-day. This is the perfect opportunity for Philly to keep playing their best basketball at the right point in the season.

Playoff Picture

They are on a 5 game winning streak currently and certainly can make it 6 tonight. As we look at the playoff standings after yesterday: Indiana lost to the Clippers which now puts the Sixers 2.5 games ahead of them, and 3 games up on Boston. A win tonight could give Embiid and the boys a nice cushion and truly allow them to clinch the 3 seed. 11 games to go!

Game Breakdown

Al Horford has gotten the best of Joel in the previous matchups this season. Additionally, Brad Stevens has gotten the best out of Brett Brown in the previous matchups this season. This is going to be a tight game no matter what happens. The Sixers are the better team in all aspects of the game besides steals and almost tied for blocks per game.

JJ Redick had an enormous game last night and needs to stay hot tonight. If it comes down to a shootout I like Harris, Butler, and Redick over any other 3 that Boston can throw at them. It is going to be a playoff type atmosphere with the Philly crowd packing out the Wells Fargo Center. This game will go down to the last 2 minutes of the game.