The Sixers are beyond being stuck between a rock and a hard place, they are beyond facing dire straits. The Philadelphia 76ers are desperate for victory in a must-win situation against the Boston Celtics.
After a brutal Game Two, the Sixers are will either find a way to adjust or succumb to the Celtics yet again.
It’s time for Joel Embiid and Co. to either put up or shut up. There needs to be some fight shown before it’s too late that is if it’s not already.
Whether win or lose, there will still be plenty to watch in this game.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
BRETT BROWN VERSUS BRAD STEVENS
The most obvious advantage the Celtics have isn’t even on the court, at least not during the action.
Sixers’ Head Coach Brett Brown has been outsmarted at every corner by Brad Stevens. The contest hasn’t even been close, it’s been like watching an amateur and a professional.
Brett Brown needs to find a way to help his team accomplish the simple Xs and Os such as defending the pick-and-roll.
It’s asking too much for Brown to out-fox Stevens but if he can at least hold his own, they may just have a fighting chance.
Brett Brown is fighting for his job and he needs to realize it…or maybe he has and is too tired to continue.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sixers – Tobias Harris
If there is one Sixer who needs to step up, it is Tobias Harris. The rather expensive combo forward has yet to contribute anything positive to this series.
He has been abysmal defensively, non-existent offensively, and a poor leader at that.
The Sixers made quite the investment in Harris and while none of that is his fault, it remains his responsibility.
That’s not to say that there’s nothing Brett Brown can do to get him going. Harris thrives when you feed him the ball early. Brown must run the offense through his two stars and make sure they score to build their confidence.
Harris’ performance has been so poor that many are already calling for his metaphorical head.
Celtics – Jayson Tatum
The Sixers have to find a way to defend Jayson Tatum. It’s as much about the future as it is this series.
Tatum has performed like an absolute monster these past two games and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
The scoring combo forward has made more shots than one can count, some with a bit of luck but as they say, sometimes “it’s better to be lucky than good”.
Thybulle, Richardson, double teams, the Sixers have to throw everything they have at Tatum and see what sticks. This is not time to be conservative, Brett Brown must be aggressive in his decision making on ways to remove Tatum from the game such as forcing him into foul trouble.
If Tatum goes off again, the Sixers don’t stand a chance.
Sixers, Celtics Game Four
The Sixers will be back in action today to try and salvage this series. Tip-off will be at 6:30 PM EST and you can watch live on either TNT or NBC Sports Philadelphia. As always, you can also listen live at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.
It’s time to see what this Sixers team is made of.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
