NBA Christmas Day Preview

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics

A matchup between two teams who were supposed to take that next step this season but haven't quite been able to live up to those expectations. The Sixers are doing better since the Jimmy Butler trade and are currently tied for 3rd in the East while the Celtics are 5th. Touted as the defining rivalry of the East for the years to come, Boston has won 5 out of 6 against Philly, but those wins came without Jimmy Butler and he has had a big impact on the Sixers who are coming off a win over the East-leading Raptors. Sixers coach Brett Brown stated that they now have the best starting lineup in the NBA and they'll get a chance to prove it on the national stage. As for the Celtics, there are issues. They come into this one after beating Charlotte, but that win was preceded by 3 straight losses that led to a couple of team meetings which Coach Stevens said went well. With some tension around the Celtics right now and with the Sixers on a roll, I'd go for the upset, a close hard fought win for Philly.