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Sixers-Celtics Game 3 preview: Philly must improve defensively

The Sixers are back at the Wells Fargo Center, a place where they're 26-2 since Jan. 1. But there's more at stake in today's game than any of the previous 28 in the building.

Celtics forward Al Horford shoots over the Sixers’ Joel Embiid and Dario Saric during Philadelphia’s Game 1 loss on Monday.
Celtics forward Al Horford shoots over the Sixers’ Joel Embiid and Dario Saric during Philadelphia’s Game 1 loss on Monday.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Boston Celtics (2-0; 6-3) at 76ers (0-2; 4-3)

Today at 5 p.m., Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

The 76ers left Boston Thursday night thinking they squandered what should have been a series defying road win in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal with the Celtics.

Now, the Sixers are back at the Wells Fargo Center, a place where they're 26-2 since Jan. 1. But there's more at stake in today's game than any of the previous 28 in the building.

A loss to the Celtics would drop the Sixers into a tough to overcome three-games-to-none hole. However, a victory would enable them to get back into the series, and perhaps take momentum.

The Sixers, however, must do a better job on the defensive end if they expect to win today. Playing in front of the home crowd  is great, but it won't mean anything unless the Sixers can come up with defensive stops.

Al Horford, Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier torched Philly with speed, athleticism and by taking advantage of mismatches in the first two games.

Joel Embiid, a defensive player of the year candidate, is having his defensive weaknesses exposed while attempting to guard Horford.

"I mean obviously the matchup with Al is a tough one for us and for most of the league," Brett Brown said.

So one of the biggest things to pay attention to today is the adjustments made on the defensive end.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: ESPN

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah

Probable starting lineups

Celtics

Coach: Brad Stevens (playoff record: 17-20)

Injury report: Gordon Hayward (left ankle rehab, out); Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery, out); Daniel Theis, (left knee surgery, out).

Sixers 

Coach: Brett Brown (playoff record: 4-3)

Injury report: None

» READ MORE: Coming games

Monday: Game 4, 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center

Wednesday: *Game 5, TBD, at TD Garden

Friday: *Game 6,  TBD, at the Wells Fargo Center

May 13: *Game 7, TBD, at TD Garden

* – if necessary