Heading into the first “NBA Bubble” playoffs, first round matchups will include another faceoff between the Celtics and 76ers. In recent years, the rivalry has been reinvigorated in the playoffs. Going into 2020’s first round matchup, tensions still look to be high.
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While speaking to the media, Brad Stevens seemed to throw shade at 76ers star Ben Simmons.
Brad Stevens on facing the Sixers:
"They're a heck of team. In the games that Simmons hasn't played, they're the No. 1 offense in the league."
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) August 13, 2020
This comment is particularly interesting given Simmons’ former playoff flops against Boston. Ben Simmons will not be playing at any point in this series. He was ruled out for the season this week after suffering a knee injury on August 5th against Washington.
This season, the 76ers and Celtics rivalry hit another level when former Celtics big man Al Horford inked a deal with Philadelphia. Over the last 29 matchups since the 2014 season, the Celtics have a dominating 22-7 record while winning the last four playoff matchups. Without Ben Simmons, it will be difficult for the 76ers to break the losing streak.
Despite the loss, the 76ers have a lot of fire power including Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The 76ers also have rookie guard Shake Milton and newly acquired Alec Burks in the rotation. Brad Stevens was sure not to underestimate them in his comments.
The 2020 first round series will begin on Monday August 17th as a best of seven format.
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