The Boston Celtics didn't get off to a stellar start this season, but the cagey veterans have worked themselves into basketball shape. If they're able to overtake the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, Doc Rivers' team will also have worked themselves back to the top of the Atlantic Division.
Celtics Vs. Sixers: Atlantic Division Lead Is On The Line
The Boston Celtics will take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night to take a virtual tie in the Atlantic Division race.
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The Celtics lost five straight games early in the season as their record dropped to a disappointing 4-8. Typically that wouldn’t be a problem, of course, but the lockout-shortened schedule provides less games to right the ship. The Celtics have done just that, however, and will be tied atop the Atlantic standings if they’re able to extend their winning streak to six by knocking off the Sixers on Wednesday night.
It's a surprising change for the two teams considering Philadelphia got off to a stellar start while the Celtics struggled, but everything seems to even out as the NBA season goes on -- even in a shorter season than usual, apparently. Paul Pierce alluded to that, too, while recently talking to SB Nation's own Gethin Coolbaugh.
“Well we understand the urgency, especially at this point in the season, after the All-Star Break,” said Celtics captain Paul Pierce, who had a game-high 30 points in Tuesday’s 97-92 overtime win against Houston. “Right now it’s that stretch run and we understand it. We understand that we need to take care of it at home, we understand that we have a big road trip coming up that’s not going to be easy, so we can’t just give away games right now.”
Philadelphia, Pierce’s opponents on Wednesday night, knows a bit about giving away games. The Sixers have lost eight of their past 10 games but, according to NBA.com’s research, they’ve only been outscored by a measly five points during that stretch. It’s difficult to find solace with a 2-8 record over the last couple of weeks, but that might be the best for those looking for such a thing.
Wednesday night’s game won’t be available on national television, but considering Pierce has recently been finding himself on the right side of Hero Mode and the lead in the Atlantic Division is essentially on the line, it might make sense to fire up the ol’ League Pass for the 7 p.m. tip-off.
For more on the Celtics, check out Celtics Blog. The best Sixers site on the internet can be found at Liberty Ballers.
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