Major Takeaways From 76ers' Preseason Blowout Loss to Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers lost their second straight preseason game to the Boston Celtics. Matter of fact, it was a massacre if we’re being quite honest. There is so much to unpack in this 144-106 loss. There are some serious issues that need to be addressed. 

1. The lack of big men is a problem.

Everyone knew going into this game that there had to be some kind of answer for the 76ers at the center position. They will have a short time figuring things out if things keep going the way they are now. Boston dominated in the rebounding department 63-44. On the offensive glass, it was just as bad with Boston procuring 19. This is just rebounding; the points in the paint are even worse. 52 of Boston’s 144 points were scored in the paint. This is a ridiculous problem that has been a concern all throughout the offseason. When the regular season starts, there will still be questions, and now we know until Adem Bona returns, it’s going to continue to be a problem.

2. The offense lacks continuity.

So three of the five starters didn’t play in this game, right? But there still seems to be no real connection offensively. If there’s no fast break or ISO ball situation, it seems that this team can’t really score like it should. When they play a defensively strong team like the Boston Celtics, this leads to errant passes, and it’s what leads to sloppy play. There were 24 turnovers in this game, and it led to 43 points for Boston. The three-point line is their best friend, and when a team makes it easy to do that, it leads to a long night.

3. This defense could be a major issue.

Well, when you give up 144 points, even in a preseason game, that’s a cause for concern. What's even worse is allowing a team to shoot over 52 percent from the field and 46 percent from the three-point line. Whether there was a lack of closing out or a collapsing defender that led to an open three-point shot, it was nothing the 76ers could do to stop the bleeding. If the offense for the 76ers is going to be their strength, they’re going to have to turn defense into offense and be able to suffocate their opponents and force turnovers. 

Head coach Nick Nurse has quite a few things to clean up; it’s no room for error at this point. We need to see this team with all their starters for an entire half to see if it’s just the lack of starpower that led to this blowout, or if it’s more than meets the eye with this team.