Final: Sixers 106, Celtics 103 - Miracle comeback falls short

BOSTON CELTICS at PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

7:00 p.m., NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -3.5

INJURIES

Boston: Neemias Queta (OUT, sore foot)

Philadelphia: None

NOTES

- The Sixers have won five straight games. Joel Embiid had 48 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. It was the sixth time in his career that he had at least 45/10/5 in a game. 

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. A bounceback game: The Celtics execution was subpar against Minnesota, so I’m looking for a more crisply played game tonight. I think the sting of a poorly-played game was good at this point of the season, and facing a division opponent tied for the lead with them should keep their focus high. All that along with the return of Derrick White could add up to some fun for Boston.

2: Defending Embiid: I don’t expect the Celtics to tip their hands much, so I don't know if what we see from them defensively against Embiid is going to be everything they are planning. Let’s see what Kristaps Porzingis can do one-on-one. 

3: Who defends the Jays? Boston will have a defensive issue, so will the Sixers. I’m not sure how the Jays will be defended, and I’d expect the Celtics will try to take advantage of that issue early on. 

4: Defending Tyrese Maxey with offense: The Celtics can survive a big game from Embiid. They can’t survive one from Embiid and Maxey. I’d expect the Celtics to put Maxey in as many actions as they can with their offense and then beat him into submission with physical defense on the other end.  

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.