The Celtcs are 14-2 and riding a 6 game winning streak, while the 7-8 Sixers are losers of their last two.
The Sixers are having a hard time adjusting their style to fit their high profile off season acquisition, power forward Elton Brand.
High expectations are dampered at the moment for Philly as scoring is a problem. They are in the bottom 7 teams with 95.1 points per game, though their defense is allowing only 93.2.
Adding a half court component, playing to Brand’s strengths, to their high flying fastbreak style is proving to be problematic at the moment. They need better, more consistent outside shooting to make it all work better.
In the process, Andre Iguodala’s game has taken a big hit, going from 19.9 points last season to just 13.6 this. Rebounder Reggie Evans has largely been removed from the equation as he averages just 10 minutes a game this seeason.
Rondo, Rondo, Rondo
Rajon Rondo is really bringing it of late, and that just makes things that much more difficult to game plan the Celtics. His recent average of 16 points per game puts that much more pressure on defenses that already had three tough choices to make on who to guard.
Rondo is 4th in the league in steals at 2.19 per 48 minutes.
Ray Allen has caught fire of late, with 10 of 14 from downtown, but has had a solid season generally.
The Celtics are starting to play with more dominance and could possibly have a similar regular season as last year when they had 66 wins. That would be an incredible accomplishment.
What is still working itself out is the bench, and the unknown is how much they can be counted on in larger roles in the play-offs. Continued improved play by Glen Davis and growth by Leon Powe will go far in determining the severity of the need for a taller back big as the year rolls on.
Game Time: 7:30
