Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Christmas loss to Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images /

3. Philadelphia and Boston are both legit contenders in the East

The Christmas Day meeting between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers was a potential preview of the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals. Granted, things will have to go a certain way, but the potential for a future meeting in this year’s postseason is certainly on the table.

Joel Embiid put up 34 points and 16 rebounds in the game. Jimmy Butler was right behind him 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Ben Simmons finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, but he attempted just nine shots through roughly 38 minutes of play. J.J. Redick had 17 points but finished the game shooting 5-for-16 from the field.

While Philadelphia won the 3-point battle with 15 made attempts to Boston’s 14 makes, it lost the turnover battle 19-9. Down the stretch, the Sixers will need to be a lot more deliberate with the basketball and limit turnovers. When they needed baskets, they either turned the ball over or took a last-second shot that didn’t stand a chance.

These teams are currently fourth and fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season were to end today, they’d meet in the first round, which would make for a definite seven-game series. It could work out that way in the end, so Philadelphia will need to work on making adjustments in a hurry.