After a terrible loss on the second half of a back-to-back at home to Memphis, the 76ers are back on the road. Tonight they travel up north to face the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have struggled as of late and currently find themselves sitting in seventh place in the East with a record of 25-25. The Sixers are 34-16 and a half game back on the Brooklyn Nets and desperately need to get back into a groove with Joel Embiid back in the lineup. 

Philly’s most significant concern has been the cold streak of Ben Simmons. Over the last six games, Simmons has scored 15 points just once and does not look to be himself whatsoever. These issues are likely the cause of a very long road trip combined with a back-to-back, Simmons dealing with a lingering knee injury, or possibly a combination of both. With Embiid back in action tonight, the Sixers shouldn’t have to rely on Ben as much like they have the last several games. 

The Sixers and Celtics had squared off twice before tonight when Boston traveled to Philly for a two-game series back in late January. Embiid dominated over those two games, averaging 40 points and 10.5 rebounds. Boston has since traded Daniel Thesis and is left with just Tristian Thompson and Mo Wagner to stop The Process. 

Over the last three years, the 76ers have lost to Boston twice, most recently being a road matchup last season in a game which Joel Embiid played only 20 minutes. The loss before that was back in 2019, losing only by three points.

Dwight Howard and Shake Milton have done a tremendous job leading the bench mob in Embiid’s absence. There was a cause for concern in the period between the trade deadline and Embiid’s return, with Dwight being the only center on the roster, but he did a tremendous job at stepping up and looks like he did to start the season. 

For Boston, keep an eye on their new acquisition, Evan Fournier. After a brutal transition period, he has been adjusting quite well and had 17 points in just 23 minutes against the Hornets on Sunday. Their lack of a dominant presence under the basket will still hinder the Cs, and if Embiid is back in form, this shouldn’t be a challenging game for the Sixers.

With all starters healthy, the Sixers are one of the best teams in the NBA. They are currently 17-3 with all five starters in the lineup. Boston, is nothing but medicore. The Sixers will bounce back after an embarrassing loss at home against the Memphis Grizzlies and take down the Celtics on the road tonight. Book it.

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