NBA

Brand's dropoff has been precipitous in the playoffs, as he's averaging just 4.3 points over the past eight games. He hasn't played more than 18 minutes in a game vs. Boston, either, but due to Doug Collins' level of respect for Brand he continues to start ahead of Lavoy Allen.

Brand's neck injury is clearly bothering him, but Doug Collins said, "I just think [Brand] deserves to start ... He's one of our proudest players. I admire him and respect him to the ultimate." Nevertheless, EB has been given a quick hook in favor of Lavoy Allen recently, and has yet to play in the fourth quarter vs. Boston.

Iguodala was quiet for most of the night, but hit a pair of huge buckets down the stretch. Evan Turner hit just five of (gulp) 22 shots for 16 points with nine rebounds, Jrue Holiday had 11 points, seven boards, and one assist, Spencer Hawes and Elton Brand both played just 15 minutes for a combined five points and five boards, Lavoy Allen went for eight and 10 with two steals and a block, Thad Young scored 12 points with nine boards, and Lou Williams got hot for 15 points, four boards, and eight assists.

Turner played well in the first two games but just didn't have it tonight. He should be better in Game 4.

Young had been struggling in the series, scoring just nine points over the first two games. He was very aggressive and provided a spark off the bench, but the Sixers starters just didn't have it tonight.

Iguodala has been playing well despite a chronic knee issue and a sore Achilles, and Collins just gave him a serious vote of confidence. The Sixers will look to take a 2-1 lead on the ailing Celtics in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Thaddeus hasn't played well since being injured during Game 1 by Celtics' big man Ryan Hollins, whom Young described as "wild." He was third on the team at 12.8 ppg during the regular season, but in the playoffs he's averaging just 6.5 ppg.