A preview of Game 2 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, taking place on Tuesday night.
The Philadelphia 76ers (0-1) are facing off against the Boston Celtics (1-0) in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, with Game 2 being played Tuesday at 7 PM ET in TD Garden.
In Game 1, the 76ers were blown out 123-91.
For Philadelphia, it was stars Tyrese Maxey and Paul George who led the charge. The duo combined for 38 points on 12 of 28 shooting. The 76ers shot a miserable 17.4% from three-point range while also committing 14 turnovers. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. were the only other double-digit scorers for the Sixers.
The 76ers' centers (Andre Drummond and Adem Bona) also struggled.
It was unsurprisingly Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who brought the Celtics to a series-opening win. The superstar tandem contributed a combined 51 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists on efficient shooting. Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta also had solid outings for Boston. Queta was the team's third leading scorer with 13 points while Hauser and Pritchard each contributed 12.
Key Matchup:
Kelly Oubre Jr. vs. Jayson Tatum
With George taking on the assignment of Brown, Oubre is left to defend Tatum. The Celtics superstar forward had quite the strong performance in Game 1, which Oubre needs to prevent on Tuesday night for the 76ers to have a chance of emerging victorious. Not to mention, Oubre is widely regarded as one of Philadelphia's offensive X-factors, so him having a big night on that end of the floor could also contribute heavily to a win.
Injury Report:
76ers
Joel Embiid: Out - Post Appendectomy; Surgery Recovery
Tyrese Maxey: Available - Right Finger; Tendon Strain - Splint
Celtics
Ron Harper Jr.: Probable - Right Ankle; Sprain
How Each Team Can Emerge Victorious:
76ers
Either Tyrese Maxey and Paul George need to have monster performances, or the 76ers need much more from the supporting cast, namely Quentin Grimes and Oubre.
Celtics
Replicate Game 1.
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