The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t won a game against the Boston Celtics since April 14, 2014. In eight tries against the C’s since then, the Sixers have been outscored by an average of almost 15 points per game, repeatedly falling victim to the type of methodical, ball movement-heavy offense that tends to thwart Brett Brown’s squad.
With Joel Embiid protecting the rim at an elite level this season, the Sixers have fared much better defensively than in past seasons, with him taking their defense from 110.3 points per 100 possessions allowed (29th in the NBA) with him off the floor all the way up to 1st in the league at 98.