The 76ers dispatched the Heat in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs, but the underwhelming atmosphere from the Heat's fans didn't leave much of an impression on the Sixers.
While discussing preparing for the Celtics in Round 2 — and their loud fans — reserve Ersan Ilyasova said he expects a very different crowd.
"When we were in Miami ... the gym was half-empty," Ilyasova said after the team's practice, via ESPN. "But when you go to Boston, you will feel it. Even in the regular season, you know when you play that team, the arena is full, and they're really committed fans."
Sixers star JJ Redick agreed with Ilyasova's sentiment, saying any time he played against the Celtics the arena was extremely loud.
"(They) were as intense of any playoff games I've played in my career," said Redick, who has spent 12 years in the NBA.
On top of a loud arena, the Sixers will have much more of a challenge against the Celtics defense, which finished with the best rating in the regular season.
"It's always tough to play at their place," Ilyasova said. "It's always crowded, and we have to come up with a lot of energy and edge to win the game."
Game 1 of the series is at 8 p.m. ET Monday in Boston (TNT).
