It will not be an unusual sight to see some of Philadelphia’s most loyal fans rooting for one of the Sixers’ biggest rivals, the Boston Celtics, on Wednesday night. Nor will it be unwelcomed by fellow Philadelphia fans.
Similarly, there are likely plenty of Boston’s most dedicated fans cheering for red, white and blue over their signature green on Wednesday night. It’s something the most loyal NBA fan will deep down understand, too.
Boy, have these two storied franchises fallen—intentionally—in hopes of reclaiming those glory days. In the Celtics’ case, return to those many, many glory days. And it’s accepted.
So when the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet in Boston for the first time this season, the same place where they met for the Eastern Conference Semifinals Game Seven just two seasons ago, it will not be the same. Instead, there will be two teams doing their best efforts to “tank”, insisting that each take the double-u.
The set-up could not be more similar for each side. For one, each has won just two of their last ten games and has losing streaks of three going into the game. But their records are nearly identical—the two teams are technically in the same spot in the standings. The Celtics are 15-32 compared to Philadelphia’s 14-31.
But mentioning their spot in the standings would seem to indicate that each team is interested in winning ball games and making the playoffs, but that could not be further from the truth. Sadly, it will be a far cry from that nail-biter of a Game 7 just over a year and a half ago.
Instead, it will be about seeing Michael Carter-Williams further seal his case for Rookie of the Year. How does he compare to the veteran point guard wizard Rajon Rondo? And how does Brett Brown’s style of coaching in certain situations compare to the calm demeanor of the young Brad Stevens? Which team needs a top-three pick more?
These are the questions to keep in mind for tonight’s game. That, and, who will ultimately do a better job with their rebuilding project. Who is closer to getting to another Game 7 of any playoff series? It’s not the same as the old rivalry days, but at least both are in the same spot right now: Ground zero.
Project starters:
Philadelphia:
PG- Carter-Williams
SG- J. Anderson
SF- Turner
PF- Young
C- Hawes
Boston:
PG- Rondo
SG- G. Wallace
SF- J. Green
PF- Bass
C- Sullinger
Prediction:
The Celtics have more talent and are at home, the Sixers give you no reason to want to go against them, right? Celtics 106, 76ers 98
