Opening Game vs. Philly Prediction

[Fierce1]

Orlando preseason game gives me hope we can handle long teams like Philly. Hoping Brad can scheme to minimize Embiid’ strength.

Even if Embiid scores 30 or more, Sixers will not beat the Celts without the shooting of Redick and the scoring of Jimmy Butler.

Adding Horford only made them a slower team.

[Green-18]

Orlando preseason game gives me hope we can handle long teams like Philly. Hoping Brad can scheme to minimize Embiid’ strength.

I think he can minimize Embiid at the beginning of the game.  Philly is going to face some issues with spacing and shooting.  I expect the Celtics to look sharp for most of the first quarter.  Unfortunately, I'm expecting to see an inevitable scoring drought that will turn the tables in Philly's favor.  Who knows though, maybe Carson Edwards will prevent this from happening.

[Vox_Populi]

I'm not sure what the plan is, but without Redick, I'd feel more comfortable doubling Embiid. Even so, he can still score through those (or get fouled). I expect a loss, it's a difficult match-up for us.

[Fierce1]

Orlando preseason game gives me hope we can handle long teams like Philly. Hoping Brad can scheme to minimize Embiid’ strength.

I think he can minimize Embiid at the beginning of the game.  Philly is going to face some issues with spacing and shooting.  I expect the Celtics to look sharp for most of the first quarter.  Unfortunately, I'm expecting to see an inevitable scoring drought that will turn the tables in Philly's favor.  Who knows though, maybe Carson Edwards will prevent this from happening.

Scoring should not be a problem after Ainge signed Jaylen Brown to a 115m contract.

Seriously, Celts have Kemba and Hayward getting more than 30m per year and Jaylen is getting around 27m per year.

So why would scoring be problem?

More or less 90m for 3 players and scoring will be a problem?

If that's the case then Ainge should be fired!

[Fierce1]

I'm not sure what the plan is, but without Redick, I'd feel more comfortable doubling Embiid. Even so, he can still score through those (or get fouled). I expect a loss, it's a difficult match-up for us.

Sixers can't keep up with the speed and quickness of the Celts.

[Green-18]

Orlando preseason game gives me hope we can handle long teams like Philly. Hoping Brad can scheme to minimize Embiid’ strength.

I think he can minimize Embiid at the beginning of the game.  Philly is going to face some issues with spacing and shooting.  I expect the Celtics to look sharp for most of the first quarter.  Unfortunately, I'm expecting to see an inevitable scoring drought that will turn the tables in Philly's favor.  Who knows though, maybe Carson Edwards will prevent this from happening.

Scoring should not be a problem after Ainge signed Jaylen Brown to a 115m contract.

Seriously, Celts have Kemba and Hayward getting more than 30m per year and Jaylen is getting around 27m per year.

So why would scoring be problem?

More or less 90m for 3 players and scoring will be a problem?

If that's the case then Ainge should be fired!

This is just my gut feeling for opening night against a Philly team that could end up being the best defensive unit in the league.  Barring a scorching hot performance from beyond the arc, it's going to be difficult for the Celtics to score consistently in the half court.  None of this means that the Celtics can't/wont become an excellent offensive team throughout the course of the regular season.  It's just going to take some time for the chemistry to develop IMO.

[Green-18]

I'm not sure what the plan is, but without Redick, I'd feel more comfortable doubling Embiid. Even so, he can still score through those (or get fouled). I expect a loss, it's a difficult match-up for us.

Sixers can't keep up with the speed and quickness of the Celts.

That's what we're all hoping for.  It would be great if the Celtics can play at a fast pace while maintaining high efficiency.  In order for this work, the following things need to happen:

- Jaylen needs to improve his free throw shooting to 70% at a minimum.
- Tatum needs to drill his open threes AND attack the hoop at every opportunity
- Gordon needs to reestablish an aggressive mindset as a scorer.  His strengths as a facilitator will really shine if/when teams are forced to respect him as a high end scorer.

As for Kemba, I think we know what we're getting from him. 

[KG Living Legend]

 Tell me who's gonna be the Champs tonight. I hope we crush Traitor Al and Company!

[PhoSita]

Sixers in a somewhat close one (<10 points).  Free throws and points in the paint will be the difference.

[wreckoner]

The runnin' gunnin' young Celtics!!! First win on the path to Banner 18!

[Fierce1]

Celts over the slow Sixers team.

[Birdman]

i said 76ers by 11 before the game and think it will be more

[MattyIce]

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[PhoSita]

First half went as I thought.

Second half wasn't as close as I hoped / expected.

Celts really got beat up inside.

Game would've been much closer if they didn't shoot really badly at the free throw line

[bopna]

Always knew we would lose... Road game plus jitters and rust.

13 missed free throws.