The Sixers were locked in against the Magic on Wednesday in their Play-In game! They got a gritty, physical victory and locked up the seventh seed. The energy in the arena was awesome! I'm so proud of the squad, their defensive effort in particular really stood out to me. The Sixers held the Magic under a hundred points, and they had eight steals and nine blocks as a team! I think defeating the Magic in that game was a good way to prove to everyone that the Sixers are more than just Joel Embiid. This roster is deep and ready to go! After last season's ugliness, this win in Philly just felt nice.
Now the Sixers are set to face the Celtics who are an excellent team and won the NBA Championship only two years ago.
Now, everyone who even mildly follows the NBA knows that the Celtics are in fact the favorites in this series. It's not rocket science.
But I'm not about to just write my team off and be negative. That's boring and I wouldn't feel like a true fan if I just have zero belief in this team.
I really do think the Sixers have a chance. Not a huge chance, but a chance. Even with Embiid out, I think this team has all of a sudden found a respectable Big Three in Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and V.J. Edgecombe. Edgecombe was absolutely amped against the Magic and I have a feeling he's gonna hit the gas more than ever in this series. I like how each of the Big Three vary in age too. Edgecombe is a star rookie, Tyrese Maxey seems to be in his prime and reaching his full potential, and Paul George is the vet and he looks pretty reinvigorated at the moment.
Also, while I know the Celtics are proven and mentally tough, I think psychologically speaking, many people assume the Sixers will be a bit of a pushover without Embiid. I think the Celtics could underestimate them and see the Sixers as a vulnerable target. The Sixers could surprise them and potentially steal a game or two this way...
Also, while Jayson Tatum has looked good since returning sooner than expected from his Achilles injury, I am curious how he handles the Playoff intensity.
The Sixers know the Celtics well at this point, so the Celtics won't surprise them in any particular fashion.
I am SO ready. It's going to be difficult but the Sixers could shock the world!
This duo could disrupt the league...
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I am so excited to watch the Sixers in the Playoffs again, thank God I'm healthy and able to watch them compete!