Tim Legler: Sixers Won’t GO AWAY EASILY To Celtics | Playoff Preview
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The PHLY Philadelphia Sixers Podcast kicks off the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a deep dive into the upcoming series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, featuring guest Tim Legler from ESPN and the All-City Network. Legler emphasizes the intensity and historical weight of the rivalry, noting that while the Sixers are playing well and have belief, their path is significantly harder without Joel Embiid, whose availability remains uncertain. He highlights Boston’s disciplined, team-oriented style—low turnovers, strong defense, and elite spacing—as a major challenge for Philly’s aggressive, turnover-focused defense. Legler stresses the importance of adjusting defensively between games, particularly in countering Boston’s drive-and-kick offense and avoiding overcommitting to help on dribble penetration. He also discusses the critical role of secondary scorers like Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, and Paul George, urging them to step up offensively when Embiid is sidelined. The episode closes with a look at the emotional energy of the postseason, exemplified by a playful but charged moment between VJ Edgecombe and Jalen Suggs, signaling the high stakes ahead.
The Sixers must steal Game 1 to set the tone, especially without Joel Embiid.
Boston’s disciplined, team-first style makes them a tough matchup, particularly on defense.
Philadelphia’s aggressive defense risks leaving open corner threes—Boston’s specialty.
Secondary scorers (Oubre, George, Edgecombe) must deliver big games if Embiid is out.
Nick Nurse is expected to adjust game-by-game, not abandon the team’s defensive identity.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Playoff Kickoff & Rivalry Context
“This is the game plan that you're going to have to fall in love with and figure out a way, most importantly, to not overcommit on dribble penetration.”
Boston’s Defensive Discipline & Philly’s Challenges
Legler breaks down Boston’s strengths—low turnovers, strong team defense, and elite spacing—and how they exploit Philly’s aggressive style.
Defensive Adjustments Against Boston’s Drive-and-Kick
“When you send two, three guys to help on penetration, the communication out of that so you don't end up with two guys running at the first pass, very difficult to pull off.”
The Role of Secondary Scorers & Maxey’s Injury
“I expect him to have numbers. I don't expect it to be super efficient. Like Tyrus Maxey's probably going to be in the low 40s in shooting percentage in this series.”
Emotional Energy & Playoff Intensity
Reflection on the elevated emotions of the postseason, highlighted by a playful but charged moment between VJ Edgecombe and Jalen Suggs.
“This is the game plan that you're going to have to fall in love with and figure out a way, most importantly, to not overcommit on dribble penetration.”
“The three guys I just mentioned in particular though are the guys Edgecombe, Paul George Kelly, you break each of those guys has to have two big scoring games in this series to have a chance.”
“I expect him to have numbers. I don't expect it to be super efficient. Like Tyrus Maxey's probably going to be in the low 40s in shooting percentage in this series.”
Host
Guest
Philadelphia 76ers
other
Boston Celtics
other
Tim Legler
person
Joel Embiid
person
Tyrese Maxey
person
Kelly Oubre
person
Paul George
person
VJ Edgecombe
person
Nick Nurse
person
Jason Tatum
person
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