2018 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers preview

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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Individual Matchups

Point Guard: Terry Rozier vs. Ben Simmons

With the absence of Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier has stepped up mightily in his place. The third-year guard showed out against Milwaukee, averaging 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game while thriving in Brad Stevens’ motion-heavy offense.

With a feistiness to his game, Rozier is also one of the best defenders on the team, hounding his opponent to the point of exhaustion.

Ben Simmons has proven to be no average rookie, as the point-forward nearly averaged a triple-double in Philly’s five game victory over Miami, with 18.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game.

At 6’10”, Simmons’ ability to handle and dish out the rock make comparisons to Magic Johnson not all that crazy.

While Rozier’s magical coming out party has been so much fun to watch this postseason, he’s going to have a tough time matched up against a 230-pound Simmons. Most traditional forwards do. Advantage: 76ers

Shooting Guard: Jaylen Brown vs. J.J. Redick

Add Jaylen Brown to the list of Celtics having a breakout postseason, as the second-year guard averaged 17.9 points per game, including two instances with 30-plus, against the Bucks in Boston’s opening round matchup.

Sculpted by the basketball gods, Brown, at 6’7″ and 225, is already one of the better perimeter defenders this game has, with the ability to slide down to the power forward spot for spurts at a time.

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A shooting percentage of 39.5 from distance during the regular season as well has improved handles makes Brown just as potent on the offensive end.

With one of the prettiest shooting forms and a 41.5 career 3-point percentage, J.J. Redick isn’t just one of the best shooters in the game, but his off-ball movement proves key to the 76ers’ attack, as his shooting ability pulls with him so much weight coming off screens — something he never seems to stop doing.

He may not be built like an elite defender, but Redick has the IQ to do what it takes to keep his man in front of him.

The key to this matchup is Brown’s health, as he sustained a hamstring injury in Game 7 against the Bucks and looks doubtful for Game 1 against Philly. Assuming he makes a return in Game 2, Brown’s size and two-way ability are simply too much for the smaller Redick. Advantage: Celtics (assuming Brown is healthy)

Small Forward: Jayson Tatum vs. Robert Covington

There is something about the 2017 rookie class that has them playing beyond their years, as Jayson Tatum looks like a 10-year veteran out on the court.

With smooth handles and a pretty good outside shot, Tatum averaged 13.9 points during the regular season and upped it to 15.4 per game once the playoffs rolled around. His poise during these playoffs has proved valuable, as the Celtics have needed all the offense they can muster up.

As one of the best pick-and-roll defenders with a 36.9 completion percentage from distance during the regular season, Robert Covington is the physical embodiment of the 3-and-D player.

Covington is normally asked to defend the opposing team’s best wing, and he uses his long arms and quick feet to do so successfully, and he can slide between either forward spots to space the court for his star teammates.

Despite Covington’s two-way prowess, with long arms of his own, Tatum is no scrub on defense. Combined with his ability to handle the ball on the offensive end, he gets the nod over the guy who’s only a spot-up shooter. Advantage: Celtics

Power Forward: Semi Ojeleye vs. Dario Saric

While not the best option at power forward (that title would go to Marcus Morris), Semi Ojeleye still provides value for Brad Stevens and the Celtics. At 6’7″ and 241 pounds, Ojeleye gives Boston defensive versatility from the power forward slot, capable of banging in the paint and equally adept at stepping out on the pick-and-roll.

His shot is still coming along, at 32 percent from distance during the regular season, but with a relentless motor, Ojeleye still manages to be a plus for the C’s.

With 14.6 points and 6.7 rebounds including a 39.3 3-point percentage during the regular season, Dario Saric is the perfect complementary piece for the 76ers at the power forward slot. With an outside touch and the ability to drive to the bucket off pump-fakes, Saric can be a focal point on offense for stretches at a time.

Ojeleye comes from the Marcus Smart mold of all energy and hustle, but with a more refined set of skills on the offensive end, as well as serviceable defensive chops, Saric has the advantage. Advantage: 76ers

Center: Al Horford vs. Joel Embiid

Al Horford is arguably the Draymond Green of the Eastern Conference, capable of defending all five positions and protecting the rim, while also flashing his passing and scoring ability on the offensive end when called upon.

With Kyrie Irving on the sidelines, Horford was asked to take on more of the scoring burden, and the five-time All-Star happily obliged, averaging 18.1 points on 58.8 percent shooting in their first round series.

After missing most of his first three years in the league, Joel Embiid has proved to be worth the wait, showcasing a surprising touch from outside to compliment his advanced footwork in the post. With an average of three blocks a game against Miami, Embiid showed that he’s also one of the best rim protectors in the game.

Horford’s jack-of-all-trades style of play is very effective for the Celtics, but Joel Embiid is a superstar talent, capable of dominating the game from both sides of the floor. Horford may be able to slow Embiid down for stretches at a time, but the superstars always manage to get theirs. Advantage: 76ers