The History of the Rivalry
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of the NBA. The two teams have faced off in countless memorable games, from regular season battles to epic playoff showdowns.
Some of the greatest players in NBA history have been part of this rivalry, including Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and many others. The Celtics and 76ers have won a combined 37 NBA championships, with the Celtics holding the edge with 17 titles to the 76ers’ 3.
The 2021 Season Matchups
The 2021 NBA season has seen the Celtics and 76ers face off three times so far, with each team winning one game apiece. The most recent matchup on April 6th saw the Celtics come away with a 106-96 victory, led by Jayson Tatum’s 25 points and 8 rebounds.
The two teams will face each other one more time in the regular season on May 5th, with playoff positioning potentially on the line. Both the Celtics and 76ers are expected to be contenders in the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers currently holding the top spot and the Celtics trying to climb up from the middle of the pack.
The Celtics’ Season So Far
The Boston Celtics have had an up-and-down season so far, with injuries and inconsistent play plaguing the team at times. All-Star forward Jaylen Brown has been a bright spot, averaging 24.7 points per game and establishing himself as a true superstar in the league.
The Celtics have struggled with consistency, but have shown flashes of their potential throughout the season. With the playoffs looming, the team will need to find their groove and play at a high level if they hope to make a deep run.
The 76ers’ Season So Far
The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid and All-Star point guard Ben Simmons. Embiid in particular has been dominant, averaging 30.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game while establishing himself as one of the best big men in the league.
The 76ers have been consistent throughout the season, with a strong defense and a balanced offensive attack. They will be a tough out in the playoffs, with their sights set on making a deep run and potentially winning their first championship since 1983.
Predictions for the Rest of the Season
As the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach, the Celtics and 76ers will be looking to position themselves for a deep run. The May 5th matchup between the two teams could have playoff seeding implications, and will be a must-watch game for NBA fans.
Both teams have the talent and potential to make a run in the playoffs, but will need to play at a high level and stay healthy. The Celtics will rely on their dynamic tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while the 76ers will continue to lean on the dominant play of Joel Embiid.
