Celtics vs Sixers: East Coast Fireworks

0:00It's April 17th. From the locker room to your ears, this is Boston Celtics News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. One of the NBA's fiercest rivalries kicks off Sunday with the Boston Celtics hosting the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first round. Playoff series. And, Bozy, this March the 23rd playoff matchup between these Eastern Conference powerhouses and the Celtics have dominated lately, winning the last six. Since the 1985 Eastern Conference Finals, Boston enters as heavy favorites. The Celtics' crust expectations this season, despite losing key guys like Christaphe's Porzinguis, Drew Reholiday, and Al Hoerford in the offseason. Jason Taita missed time until March, recovering from an Achilles injury. But when he returned, he dropped ten double doubles in 16 games. Jalen Brown balled out at an MVP level and rolled players like Nea Mayas Cater, Baylor Shireman, Sam Houser, Jordan Walsh, and Rookie Hugo Gonzalez.

1:02Stepped up big under coach Joe Mazula. Meanwhile, the Sixers packed talent with all-star guard Tyree's Maxi, Rookie score VJ Edgecomb and small forward Paul George when healthy. They even beat Boston twice this year, though Taita sat those out. But Philly's in tough as massive underdogs, especially of Joel Imbeade misses time after his emergency appendectomy last week. Sports across the board see Boston cruising through. Most predict the Celtics' rabbit in four or five games, with picks from spots like NBC Sports Boston, ESPN, The Athletic, and Yahoo Sports All-Backing. A quick series win for the Cs. This clash shapes up as classic East Coast fireworks, but Boston's depth and Taita's return make them the squad to beat heading into tip-off.