After Boston’s Opening Day massacre of Philadelphia, Joel Embiid said, “this is not a rivalry. I don’t know our record against them, but it’s pretty bad. They always kick our ass.” Over the last two seasons, the Celtics are 11-3 against the 76ers, including a 4-1 Eastern Conference semi-finals series win last May. But after today’s acquisition of Jimmy Butler, Philly might have tipped the scales.
The Celtics are very familiar with Jimmy Butler. When he became available before the draft in 2016, there was a reported flirtation with Butler coming to Boston, but Danny Ainge ended up using that #3 pick on Jaylen Brown (who coincidentally, works out with Butler often in the off season).