76ers vs Celtics: Key Talking Points

Things to watch in Sixers matchup with longtime rival

Coming off a blowout win over the Washington Wizards, the Philadelphia 76ers are back in action Wednesday night. The final game of their home stand is a matchup with a familiar foe, the Boston Celtics. 

This is the first time these teams are squaring off since the Eastern Conference semifinals last postseason. Following the James Harden trade, this is the first real test for the new-look Sixers. As they prepare to take on their longtime rival, here are some key talking points for the matchup. 

How will Tyrese Maxey fare against the Celtics backcourt? 

As the No. 2 option for the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey has had an incredible start to the season. That said, this matchup will be a big test for the rising star. 

From a defensive standpoint, the Celtics have arguably the top backcourt in the NBA. Led by Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, they have two high-level defenders who are capable of shutting down any perimeter threat. White does find himself on the injury report, but he is listed as probable after missing time for the birth of his second child.

With Maxey being the lead guard for the Sixers now, he'll have to deal with the Celtics' top defenders being matched up on him. How he handles such a high-level matchup will be something to follow throughout the game. 

Is De'Anthony Melton breaking out of his shooting slump? 

Aside from his defense, one of the main reasons why the Sixers traded for De'Anthony Melton was his three-point shooting. After knocking down 39% of his attempts last year, the veteran guard has had a slow start out of the gate. 

Melton struggled from deep in the Sixers' first five games but came alive against the Wizards on Monday. He finished the game with 14 points, with 12 of them coming from beyond the arc. 

Now that he is a full-time starter, the Sixers need Melton to return to form from deep. When he is connecting on his three-point attempts, it stretches out the defense even more. This creates cutting lanes along with opening the floor for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. 

Does this game matter that much? 

A lot of people are viewing this game as a measuring stick matchup for the Sixers, but it shouldn't be seen that way. They might want to strike first in the season series with their rival, but it's far from the end of the world if things don't go their way. 

Right now, the Sixers are still figuring things out following the James Harden trade. The new additions have slowly begun making appearances, but nothing substantial. Since the team is still working through things, they won't be at their 100% best against the Celtics on Wednesday. 

If and when these teams meet in a playoff series, both sides could look very different. That said, the first of four meetings of the year doesn't hold as much weight as some might choose to believe.