Celtics Aim For 2-0 Lead: 3 Key Factors To Watch In Game 2 Against 76ers

Boston Celtics made a massive statement in Game 1, dismantling the Philadelphia 76ers 123–91. As the series stays at TD Garden for Game 2, the pressure is squarely on the Sixers to find an answer before heading back to Philly. Boston looked every bit like the championship favorite, but in the NBA playoffs, adjustments are everything.

Here are the three biggest storylines to watch as Game 2 tips off tonight.

1. Embiid-Sized Hole in Philly’s Defense

biggest story remains the absence of Joel Embiid, who is sidelined following an emergency appendectomy. In Game 1, the Celtics' star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown feasted in the paint, combined for 51 points.

Without their defensive anchor, the 76ers are forced to rely on Andre Drummond and rookie Adem Bona. Watch to see if Philly tries a "zone" defense to protect the rim or if Boston continues to relentlessly attack the basket. If the Sixers can't provide rim protection, this could be another long night for the visitors.

2. Can the Sixers Find Their Shooting Stroke?

Philly’s shooting in Game 1 was nothing short of a disaster. They shot a dismal 17% from the three-point line (4-for-23). Not a single Sixer made more than one triple.

To stay competitive, Tyrese Maxey—who led Philly with 21 points—needs his supporting cast, like Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr., to stretch the floor. If the 76ers can’t knock down open shots, Boston’s defense will simply collapse on Maxey, making it impossible for the Sixers to keep pace with the Celtics' high-octane offense.

3. Jayson Tatum’s Post-Injury Dominance

Many wondered how Jayson Tatum would look in the postseason after missing significant time this year with an Achilles injury. He answered those doubts in Game 1 with a near triple-double: 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.

In Game 2, watch how Tatum handles Philadelphia’s inevitable physical adjustments. If he continues to play at this elite "point-forward" level, creating easy looks for teammates like Neemias Queta and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics might be too balanced for Philly to handle.