Celtics vs. 76ers Preview: Can Boston Finally Quiet Tyrese Maxey?
It’s the matchup we’ve been waiting for—the NBA’s best defense against its most relentless young scorer. Can the Celtics solve the Tyrese Maxey puzzle, or will Philly’s dynamo steal the show again?
If you’ve watched the Boston Celtics this season, you know their defense is a well-oiled machine. Jrue Holiday’s hands, Jayson Tatum’s length, and Al Horford’s IQ make them a nightmare for opposing offenses. But there’s one player who’s given them fits: Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers’ guard has been a Celtics-killer, averaging 28 points in their last five meetings. With Joel Embiid sidelined, Maxey isn’t just Philly’s best player—he’s their only reliable option. So as these two East powerhouses clash again, the question isn’t just about who wins. It’s about whether Boston can finally shut down the one guy who’s outplayed them all year.
The Maxey Problem: Why Boston Can’t Stop Him
Let’s rewind to last season’s playoffs. The Celtics swept the 76ers, but Maxey was the one bright spot for Philly, dropping 23.5 points per game on 48% shooting. Fast forward to this year? He’s been even better, torching Boston for 30+ points twice in their last three matchups.
So what makes him so dangerous against this elite defense?
1. Speed Kills (Literally)
Maxey is one of the fastest players in the NBA. The Celtics love to switch on defense, but Maxey exploits that by blowing past bigs like Horford or Porziņģis before they can react. His first step is elite—once he gets a head of steam, Boston’s help defense is forced into rotation, leaving shooters open.
2. The Floater Game
Most guards struggle against Boston’s length, but Maxey has a deadly floater that he uses to finish over taller defenders. It’s not just a layup—it’s a high-arcing, soft-touch shot that even the best rim protectors (like Robert Williams in his prime) can’t block.
3. Clutch Gene
Maxey isn’t just scoring—he’s doing it when it matters. In their last meeting, he dropped 11 points in the final five minutes to seal a Philly win. The Celtics, for all their regular-season dominance, have a habit of letting lesser teams hang around. Maxey punishes that.
How Boston Can Adjust (And Why They Might Not Need To)
Here’s the thing: the Celtics know Maxey is a problem. They’ve thrown Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and even Jayson Tatum at him in different matchups. So what’s the fix?
Option 1: The “Let Someone Else Beat Us” Strategy
With Embiid out, the 76ers’ second-best scorer is… Tobias Harris? Kelly Oubre Jr.? The drop-off after Maxey is steep. Boston could intentionally let Maxey get his while shutting down everyone else. It’s risky, but it worked in the playoffs last year.
Option 2: Trap Him Hard
The Celtics are the best at forcing turnovers (1st in the NBA in opponent TO%). If they double Maxey early and dare Philly’s role players to make plays, it could backfire—but it might also lead to easy transition buckets for Boston.
Option 3: Just Outscore Them
Let’s be real—the Celtics have the best offense in the NBA. If Maxey goes for 35, Tatum and Brown can drop 40. Sometimes, the best defense is a relentless offensive attack.
“Maxey’s a great player, but we’ve got the best team in the league. We’ll figure it out.” — Jayson Tatum, probably.
X-Factors: Who Else Could Swing This Game?
While Maxey vs. Boston’s defense is the main event, these three players could decide the outcome:
- Derrick White – If he’s locked in defensively, he’s Boston’s best bet to slow Maxey. Plus, his three-point shooting (40% this season) forces Philly to respect him.
- Kelly Oubre Jr. – The 76ers’ wild card. If he’s hitting threes (35% on the year), Philly has a puncher’s chance. If not, it’s the Maxey show—again.
- Kristaps Porziņģis – His shooting (37% from three) stretches Philly’s defense. If he’s open, Boston’s offense becomes nearly unstoppable.
Prediction: Who Wins, and What It Means
The Celtics are 12-point favorites for a reason—they’re deeper, more talented, and playing at home. But if Maxey goes nuclear (35+ points), this could get interesting.
Final Score Prediction: Celtics 118, 76ers 109
Why It Matters: If Boston finally contains Maxey, it sends a message to the East: We don’t just beat you—we solve you. If Maxey drops 40 in a loss? Well, that’s a different kind of statement.
How to Watch & What to Look For
📅 When? [Insert date/time]
📺 Where? ESPN / NBA League Pass
🔍 Key Matchup: Tyrese Maxey vs. Derrick White (Round 4)
📊 Stat to Watch: Maxey’s points in the paint—if he’s getting easy layups, Boston’s in trouble.
Final Thought: The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just another regular-season game. It’s a playoff preview. The Celtics are the title favorites, but every team has a kryptonite. For Boston, it might just be a 6’1” guard with a killer crossover.
If they can’t stop Maxey now, when it really matters in May or June, will they have an answer? Or will Philly’s young star be the one to derail their championship dreams?
One thing’s for sure: This game is must-watch basketball.
🗣️ Your Turn: Who Ya Got?
Think Maxey’s dropping 40? Or will Boston’s defense finally crack the code? Drop your predictions in the comments—and let’s see who calls it right!
And if you loved this breakdown, check out:
