Fansided

Projected 76ers starting lineup against Celtics in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Semifinals

By Ian Levy

Mar 20, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (L) andcenter Joel Embiid (R) before action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (L) andcenter Joel Embiid (R) before action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Embiid plans to return to the 76ers starting lineup for Game 2 against the Celtics. Here’s how the rest of the rotation should shape up.

A day after winning his first MVP, Joel Embiid began the day on the NBA’s official injury report, listed as doubtful because of the right knee sprain that held him out of Game 1 against the Celtics, and the clinching Game 4 against the Nets in the first round.

But in the middle of the morning, Shams Charania reported that Embiid had told his teammates he was planning on returning for Game 2. Assuming he’s somewhere close to 100 percent, he could be a game-changer for the 76ers and resettles their rotations into the structure that powered their regular-season success.

76ers projected starting lineup for Game 2

PG: James Harden
SG: Tyrese Maxey
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Joel Embiid
Bench: Paul Reed, De’Anthony Melton, Jalen McDaniels, Georges Niang

James Harden was a monster in Game 1, putting up 45 points and 6 assists. Malcolm Brogdon publicly criticized his own team’s defensive executions and schemes against Harden after Game 1 but they have bigger problems on their hands now. Embiid has become phenomenal in the short-roll and as a hub from the elbows and he’ll make it nearly impossible for Boston to double-team Harden the way they tried to in Game 1.

Embiid’s absence has also helped open an opportunity for Paul Reed, who started in his place the past two games. He had been a minor rotation player for most of this season but has impressed in the playoffs — averaging 13.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes while playing just over 20 minutes per game.

The Celtics are talented enough to bounce back against Philadelphia, no matter who is on the floor for the 76ers. But the level of difficulty has certainly ramped up.

Every NBA team's all-time starting lineup. dark. Next

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