Here’s What Stood Out in Celtics’ Win vs. 76ers: Regulars Shine, Roster Battles Intensify

1. Having already received an extended run against the 76ers, the Celtics gave star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Wednesday night off.

Boston started Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis.

It’s Holiday’s first start with the C’s after coming off the bench against Philadelphia on Sunday and getting the next night off vs. the Knicks. But what stands out more is Hauser’s inclusion.

After a rough start to the preseason, being in the first five with four of the Celtics’ top-six players represented a prime opportunity for him to have a better showing.

2. Porzingis brings so much more than his shooting, even when exclusively referring to the offensive end. But having a seven-foot knockdown-shooter with extended range is an incredible complement to Tatum and Brown. All three and the offense collectively will benefit tremendously from each other.

3. In an impressive sequence in the first frame, White earned a Tommy Point, swatting Tyrese Maxey’s transition layup attempt before burying a three at the other end.

4. Along with being a sharpshooter and a connector offensively, known for making quick decisions with the ball, White’s an underrated driver. He’s effective at burrowing his way into the paint and creating the separation needed to launch floaters or display his soft touch around the rim.

Kelly Oubre found out first-hand on a late second-quarter bucket by the former Colorado Buffalo six feet from the basket.

In a testament to his all-around impact, White entered halftime tied with Holiday for a team-high 11 points, four assists, and three blocks. It’s evident he’s ready to build off the best season of his career.

5. Holiday, White, Porzingis, and Horford got the second half off, a wise decision after how well they looked in the first 24 minutes.

After intermission, Joe Mazzulla started Payton Pritchard, Dalano Banton, Hauser, Oshae Brissett, and Luke Kornet.

6. While Boston’s energy dipped in the third frame, a surprising result with Brissett and Lamar Stevens receiving considerable playing time together, the visitors locked in defensively, holding the hosts scoreless for nearly a four-minute stretch starting almost halfway through the period.

That sparked an 18-3 run to close the quarter, propelling the Celtics to a 90-75 lead entering the final 12 minutes.

7. Hauser’s opportunity to shake off his preseason shooting struggles, something highlighted upon mentioning his inclusion in Wednesday’s starting lineup, is a chance he capitalized on.

The former Virginia Cavalier finished with 15 points on 4/9 shooting, again taking all his field goal attempts from beyond the arc. That included multiple rainbow threes.

8. Pritchard, “Preseason P” as Celtics’ broadcaster Drew Carter calls him — love the nickname — remains red hot in Boston’s exhibition contests.

He showed well defensively, pushed the pace, showed impressive burst, getting to the rim for multiple layups, and led the visitors with 17 points.

9. Neemias Queta made the most of his minutes for the second consecutive preseason game. The athletic seven-footer is an effective screener. And when he rolls to the rim, he demands attention. Even then, he’s a lob threat. In the play below, however, Philadelphia gift-wrapped him two points.

Along with registering ten points and a plus-14 plus-minus rating in eight minutes, the Portugal native didn’t commit a foul. That comes on the heels of picking up five personals against the Knicks on Monday. The discipline he played with on Wednesday will go a long way toward him staying on the floor, especially when he gets opportunities with the parent club.