Brown 'n' out

Up until about an hour before game time, Brown was still trying to figure out a way to play on his strained right hamstring.

The Celtics' second-leading scorer in the first round with 17.9 points per game, Brown was finally ruled out 30 minutes before tipoff following a conversation with doctors, trainers and Horford.

"Jaylen's a competitor, I know he was doing everything he could to be out there," Horford said.

"His health is most important. We didn't want any setbacks with him. When I talked to him, I was like 'Hey, we obviously really need you out there, but we need you for the long run.'

"Hopefully now he has a couple of day to recover."

Old-school feel

Sixers coach Brett Brown is familiar with the Philadelphia and Boston matchups of the 1980s, having grown up in South Portland, Maine. Though he knows other teams in the East remain relevant, he thinks there is enough young talent on the current 76ers and Celtics rosters to give the rivalry a rebirth.

"I hope so," Brown said. "I personally grew up with this rivalry, just right on your doorstep and just a big part of your basketball life as a young kid. It sure seems like both programs are heading into the right direction."

Associated Press