Boston Celtics big man Al Horford has been a nemesis of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid for quite some time now. The Celtics have employed Horford’s toughness and smarts to neutralize Embiid as best as he can and be a difference on the defensive end.
In Boston’s 88-87 win over the Sixers back on Dec. 1 at the TD Garden, Horford was the primary defender on Embiid and he held him to just 3-for-17 shooting. Since then, Embiid has been on an obvious roll and he ended up winning Player of the Month for December. The big fella also dropped for 41 points against Boston in his second game against them on Dec. 20, even though Horford did not play in that game.
He is also currently on a streak where he has scored 30+ points in eight consecutive games. Even with Horford playing in their third matchup in Philadelphia on Friday, Embiid will be a tough matchup for the veteran Horford.
“Using his veteran experience and knowledge,” said Celtics coach Ime Udoka. “He’s had a good amount of playoff series against him. Obviously, here in Philadelphia together, but Joel’s first game against us 3-for-17, and not to fool ourselves, he missed some easy shots that he normally would make, but credit to Al and the rest of the team.”
With the way Embiid is playing, it won’t just be Horford. The big fella will be facing a combination of Robert Williams III, Horford, and a wave of double teams that the Celtics will undoubtedly send his way.
“It’s never gonna be one guy,” Udoka added. “I think he’s good at taking away certain things. The team has to be behind him and helping as well. It’ll be a full effort on him. The way he’s rolling right now and playing at a high level, it’s never just gonna be one guy who can stop Joel. He’s proven that, but I think we have capable bigs and capable guys to go after him and keep him off balance. That’s the plan.”
The Sixers and the Celtics will tipoff at 7 p.m. EST from the Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook
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