Celtics vs. 76ers Gameday Live Stream: C’s Will Have a Fight in Philly

Nov 12, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens draws up a play during a timeout for his team in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Boston Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 105 to 99. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens draws up a play during a timeout for his team in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Boston Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 105 to 99. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Boston Celtics (44-25) travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers (25-43) Sunday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Boston Celtics will enter Sunday afternoon’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers just a game and a half behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Once again without leading scorer Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics will enter the game looking to win their fourth consecutive game.  The team struggled in a 98-95 victory in Brooklyn Friday night.  If they shoot just 40 percent like they did against the Nets, the Celtics could have a tougher time holding off a much talented 76ers team.

More from Boston Celtics

Despite losing five of their last seven games, Philadelphia ran the Dallas Mavericks off the court Friday night.

Game Notes

In the last meeting at the TD Garden in February, the Boston Celtics beat the 76ers 116-108.  It was the 10th consecutive victory by the Celtics over Philadelphia as they lead the overall series 254-184.

While the Boston Celtics will be without Isaiah Thomas, the 76ers will be without big man Joel Embiid.  The big man out of Kansas was having a fantastic debut season before going down with a left knee meniscus tear.

Projected starting lineup

G – Marcus Smart

G – Avery Bradley

F- Jae Crowder

F – Amir Johnson

C – Al Horford

Who’s Hot

Celtics forward Jae Crowder had a big game in Brooklyn.  He led the team with 24 points and collected 12 rebounds to help Boston hold off the Nets.  Crowder was particularly important down the stretch.  He knocked in a big 3-pointer with 3:38 remaining in the game to break an 85-85 tie.  He then flexed his muscles with a one-handed dunk while drawing a foul.

Mar 17, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae crowder (99) goes up for a shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center. Boston won 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae crowder (99) goes up for a shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center. Boston won 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

With Isaiah Thomas out, Crowder stepped up big time and made the most of his opportunity.

"“Jae can make big plays for us and it’s just all about opportunity and tonight he had a opportunity to make some plays that our team needed,” Avery Bradley said following Friday night’s game, via Reuters. “He came into the game and he made some really big shots for us.”"

Prediction

On paper, the Celtics should win this game.  They typically bounce back nicely after poor shooting nights, but without Thomas they could struggle to score again.  If that happens, Philadelphia may just snap that 10-game series winning streak.

This one is a tough call because the 76ers always find a way to play Boston tough.  I’m going to lean towards the C’s to find a way to squeak out the victory to keep the pressure on the Cavaliers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

How to watch Celtics vs. 76ers online

When:  Sunday, March 19, at 1:00 p.m. ET

Live Stream: Watch fuboTV

Next: Can the Boston Celtics Get the Top Side in the Eastern Conference?

To keep up to date on Boston Celtics player news and roster moves, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.