After dropping an all-around ugly game to the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime, the Boston Celtics continued to flounder without their All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving in their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Offensive production was nearly impossible to find with Irving sidelined with shoulder soreness.
Celtics offensive rating with …
Kyrie on court: 108.1
Kyrie off court: 97.5Irving expects to be back Sunday (https://t.co/B2yRkEGKgq) and ready to help Boston's slumping offense. pic.twitter.com/Kw4lZqDiTM
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) January 20, 2018
The current two-game losing streak ties the longest skid for the Celtics this season, which also happened with the first two affairs following Gordon Haywards’ infamous injury, and again in late December.
Losing three consecutive games wouldn’t exactly be the end of the world to the top team in the East who boasts a 34-12 record. Despite the recent cold spell, the other contenders have dealt with struggles as of late as well.
The Toronto Raptors are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and Isaiah Thomas’ return has been nothing short of disappointing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have gone 3-7 in the same time frame.
Irving is set to return on Sunday against the Orlando Magic, a team that has quickly fallen to the depths of the standings following a 6-2 start to the season. Furthermore, Boston has had their way with Orlando thus far by winning both games by at least 15 points.
Tune in today at 1 p.m. to see if Irving’s presence can get the Celtics back on track.
