76ers Vs. Celtics: Elton Brand, Philly Look To Fire Warning Shots At Boston

Jonathan Abrams of the New York Times reported Tuesday that Elton Brand has been playing with a fractured hand for the last month. That's worthy of italics and a standing ovation, as Brand has been the solid rock general manager Ed Stefanski paid for back in 2008 when he handed the powerful forward all the Philadelphia 76ers cap space.

That Brand has been tough and productive is why Tuesday's matchup between the Sixers and the Boston Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET, local TV and League Pass) means something. The meeting at TD Garden could be a playoff preview, assuming the Celtics can't leap up ahead of the Miami Heat by season's end, and assuming Philadelphia holds off the New York Knicks for No. 6. Like the Celtics, the Sixers boast a very good defense and a ... well, they have an offense. It's not particularly savory, but it's an offense.

As such, and considering neither team plays at a blazing pace, expect a low-scoring affair. Boston is suffering up front, though Nenad Krstic could step in for the Celtics. Philadelphia counters with Spencer Hawes and plenty of guard action; Andre Iguodala is the team's best player hands down, but a majority of his on-court value comes on defense, where he'll be tasked to limit Paul Pierce. Brand matches up with Kevin Garnett, but Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo provide the best matchup. Both are physical and athletic marvels; Philly leans heavily on Jrue's offense, and Rondo is among the best in the league at disruption. Can Holiday shake him?