The Philadelphia 76ers have had the Atlantic Division lead for much of the season and looked ready to run away with it by taking advantage of an easy early schedule.
Since then, they have taken a tumble, and the Boston Celtics may be ready to reclaim the throne as the best team in the division, which has been the case since the arrival of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in the 2007-2008 season.
The streaking Celtics (20-17) visit the reeling 76ers (22-17) with first place on the line in Wednesday night’s best game.
The Celtics hold a 13-3 series advantage over the last four years, including 3-1 last season. Interestingly, the long-time rivals haven’t met in 336 days.
After losing seven of eight, Boston has caught fire to win five consecutive games for the second time this season. They will play one more home game before beginning a difficult eight-game road trip.
The Celtics may want to consider a permanent position change for Garnett. Since taking over at center for the injured Jermaine O’Neal, Garnett has averaged a robust 19.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks. They are 5-1 over the past six games with Garnett at center and Brandon Bass at power forward.
Paul Pierce also has been on a roll of late, averaging more than 30 points over the past three games.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has dropped eight of 10, and a loss tonight would drop the Sixers percentage points behind the Celtics.
The struggle to find a go-to player down the stretch of close games has been evident as five of the last six losses have been by six points or less. Philly’s leading scorer remains Lou Williams, who comes off the bench.
Scoring also has been an issue for the Sixers, who have eclipsed 100 points just once over the last 22 games.
Center Spencer Hawes remains sidelined with an Achilles strain, missing 24 of the past 26 contests. The Sixers are 12-2 with Hawes in the lineup and 10-15 without him.