TV: Comcast SportsNet, NBA League Pass Channel 6
Tip Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: TD Garden
Vegas Line: 9.5 (Celtics)
Previous Meeting: Celtics 102-101
Mortal Enemies of the Night: CelticsBlog
76ers vs Celtics coverage
He may not be Tessie, but our very own Jordan Sams will be in attendance.
The last time these two teams met, Doug Collins' former employer was covering the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Clearly underdogs before the start, the Sixers played their hearts out and were a defensive mishap away from stealing one from the best team in the NBA (record-wise at least).
That game, Rajon Rondo was just being himself as he totaled 19 points for himself and dished out 14 assists to his friends. What's the big deal with that? Well, he won't be suiting up for the Celtics tonight. This is a huge lift off Jrue Holiday's shoulders as Rondo is one of the toughest players to stay in front of in the NBA. Joining Rondo on the sidelines will be Kendrick Perkins (like it has all year), Jermaine O'Neal, and Delonte West.
The Sixers went through something last night that I'm wiping clean from my memory. It's time to start the rest of this road-trip with a clean slate(r). Unfortunately for that mindset, the Sixers are on the wrong side of a tumultuous back-to-back against the top tier of eastern conference teams. No Sixer starter played over 30 minutes last night so I don't expect too much of a back-to-back hangover if you will.
It's tough to be in good spirits about this team after what we saw last night, but let's try to muster up the most we can and beat the Celtics (since our efforts clearly lead to the team's performance on the court). Paint your faces, torsos, and left feet guys, it's time to get rowdy!
Prediction: Celtics by 12
Completely out-of-the-blue without any evidence to back it up prediction: Nate Robinson drops 22 points.
GO SIXERS!!!!