Sixers vs Celtics: Game 3 Preview & Start Time

To say Game 2 was frustrating is an understatement. A gut wrenching 108-103 loss has many pressing the panic button after blowing a 22 point lead, and it seems to be granted. The Celtics exposed several of the Sixers biggest flaws in the first two games, most notably their lack of consistent high energy defenders to keep up with a strong Celtic offense. Shots were falling much more frequently than in Game 1, as the Sixers shot 40-92 from the field (43.5%) and 13-33 from deep (39.4%), both improved numbers, but in the end miscues and lackadaisical play are what did Philadelphia in.

The worst game of Ben Simmons’ professional career sure didn’t help the cause, as he finished with a stat like of 1-5-7 with 5 turnovers. For much of the second half backup point guard T.J. McConnell picked up the production, and with that took some of the franchise cornerstones minutes, but it was the decision to go back to Simmons late in the fourth quarter that had many scratching their heads. With about five minutes left Brett Brown brought Simmons back in the game, just in time for the Sixers to once again self destruct and give the Celtics the lead back, one that they would not relinquish.

Brett Brown got out coached in Game 2, simple as that. Seemingly not in touch with the flow of the game, he may not have cost the Sixers a win, but he sure didn’t help them slow down the Celtics. Fans are still wondering why he didn’t take a timeout in the second quarter to break up a 26-8 Celtics run that made it only a four point game at halftime. Brown said after the game if he had it to do over again that he would do the same thing, shocking to many because of the outcome, but as they say, hindsight is 20/20.

Now on the wrong side of a 2-0 series the Sixers will need to find a way to dig themselves out of the hole they put themselves in. Playing at home will surely help out, but the Sixers need to exercise some of the demons of that Boston road trip if they want to make a run at this series. Joel Embiid said Philly fans are louder than Boston fans, so be ready for him to be proven right, the Wells Fargo Center will be rocking.

Game Info:

Game Time: 5:00 pm

TV: ESPN

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic