2023-05-01 09:38:39
Second Eastern Conference semi-final and we’re off to a classic. Boston, Philadelphia, Celtics, Sixers, 21 matchups in the Playoffs, the two franchises know each other by heart. This season ? The Greens seem to have a head start, it is in any case the opinion of the editorial staff. And you, what is your opinion on the matter?
GIOVANNI
Hard to get wet given the very dotted presence of Joel Embiid on this series, but we’re going to do it anyway and at the best of times I don’t really see how the Sixers can take more than one game at the green machine . With a Joel Embiid in top form Boston still has the means to offer him varied and intelligent defenses (the experience of Horford, the power of Robert Williams, the vice of Grant Williams or even the hustle of Blake Griffin), and if by chance Jojo was not (in shape), Philly’s chances would be over even faster. These C’s are too complete, too strong in attack, too strong in defense, too experienced and well coached, and opposite I love it huh, but the past spring games have proven more the flaws of this organization than its strengths. The first lap was to whistle, but no time to warm up that we will already have to think about next season. Thank you for being passed gentlemen the 76ers but here it starts on a very venerable 4-1. Celtics 1, Sixers, 1.
NICO
If the first round was more difficult than expected for the Celtics, we have the expected semi-final between Boston and Philadelphia. One of the big questions in the series is obviously (and as often) the state of health of Joel Embiid. His knee is whistling, and we don’t know his status for the start of the series. Not very reassuring for the Sixers, who already seemed a notch below the collective of Boston in my opinion, even with Embiid fully. I think the Celtics, if they stay serious from start to finish, are going to dominate this series. I still don’t have faith in James Harden and Doc Rivers at the conference semifinals stage, but I have faith in Boston’s ability to raise their level of play to play that five-star basketball on both sides of the court. we’ve seen this season. Celtics 4, Sixers 2.
ALEX
One of the greatest rivalries in NBA history. Chamberlain vs Russell, Erving vs Bird, games between Sixers and Celtics have always been great moments. A rivalry that has picked up a bit in recent years, with multiple clashes in the Playoffs. Joel Embiid and his family have crossed paths with Boston twice for an ugly record of 1 win and 8 losses. Still, if there’s a year Philly can believe in, it’s this one. The probable MVP is in the ranks of the Sixers, the lieutenants proved in the first round that they could all take over, while Boston especially showed great sufficiency against Atlanta. What if Philly passes after all? I would be close to saying yes but I think the Celtics had a little (a lot) lead in Philly in the first round and we should see them with another level for this half. We will also monitor the condition of Joel Embiid’s knee. Come on, a rebound series and a finish in 7 with… Boston on the gong. Celtics 4, Sixers 3.
CLEMENT
Joel Embiid’s injury could well be a game-changer for this series that smells of rusty metal, gasoline and cold cigarettes. Philly rested well while Boston took a bit of a break in the cantoche, but we have two teams of a similar level who will cross swords for this semi-final. The Sixers will, whatever happens, have to rely on lieutenants who raise their level of play. James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris are therefore expected at the reception, whether Joel Embiid’s knee is loose or not. This entire team has a hell of a contender’s face. But beware of the reigning NBA finalist who got scared against Atlanta and who will have to learn from his mistakes to triumph. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will have to do the job and soldiers like Robert Williams or Marcus Smart will have to take out the barbed wire to prevent the other zinzins from scoring galore. In my opinion, it starts in 7 whatever happens, but my winner is not the same depending on the presence or not of the Cameroonian pivot. Celtics or Sixers 4, Celtics or Sixers 3.
NICO V
The Sixers are facing their destiny. Great unknown, the absence – or not – of Joel Embiid, and for how many games. Before even talking about the Celtics, this data can condition the Philadelphia series. Without Joe? The Sixers have almost no chance. The C’s may have sent some questionable signals during their defeats against the Hawks, but they are still an experienced team that is aiming for the title and nothing else. Without Embiid, which I see diminished whatever happens, the Clubs will enjoy themselves. And maybe seal the Sixers project definitively? Celtics 4 – Sixers 1
AUGUSTE
The Eastern Banger we’ve been waiting for. But in a different context. The Sixers did the job against the Nets and even had 8 days of RTT. Frankly, personally I had forgotten that they were in the Playoffs so much that it’s been a long time since they finished their first round, and especially since the Celtics did not want to conclude their series. And that against Philly is paid for in cash. Boston is going to have to be ruthless to return to the Conf finals with everyone 100% from start to finish. At the Sixers, we are in question with the knee of Embiid although he had time to rest. Without him, the series is not the same. Especially since since the start of the process Philadelphia has always hit the glass ceiling that are the half-conf. Is this the year it bursts? If Embiid is 100% yes, otherwise no and Doc Rivers will still find excuses and stratagems for another job on an NBA bench. I will therefore allow myself two predictions. Yes, it’s freewheeling here. If Embiid is 100% present with a nine knee Sixers in 6. Otherwise Celtics in 5.
EDGAR
The information of the potential absence of Joel Embiid for one or more games in the series necessarily influences my choice. In any case, even with Jojo, I think the Sixers – collectively – are a hair below in terms of control and quality of execution. Harden blows hot and cold, which still weakens the building of the Sixers quite a bit. But there is nevertheless a rare quality in this roster with Tobias Harris or Tyrese Maxey capable of sticking their noses out the window and catching fire in a series. Boston got a little stupidly tired at the end of the series against the Hawks, leaving two innings to Atlanta, but the C’s really had a big margin of safety. Finalists who are never stronger than in adversity and Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are truly at a maddening level of play. With their incredible lieutenants (Smart, Brogdon, Williams, Al Horford, White) and the advantage of the field I see Boston going to the final of conf. Celtics 4, Sixers 2.
ANTOINE
First contribution in the writing for my part so no choice you have to get wet: wouldn’t this be the year… of the Process? Now that Joel is healthy (but if it is!) and that Daryl Morey parted ways with the “weight” Ben Simmons and Doc Riv……… Ah, oops. And then let’s overlook the fact that the Celtics have All-Stars on their bench come what may. More seriously, if Embiid plays it will generate some lag and I bet on a supporting cast that follows behind to sanction: come on my Tyrese it’s time! The C’s seem stronger but I am knowingly indoctrinated by the Process on the basis that Embiid gallops. But if he squats in the infirmary, then we won’t be far from the sweep.
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