PHILADELPHIA - In what had to constitute a key early season weigh station for the Celtics, they were found to be a few pounds short against the Sixers last night.

A few pounds, 15 rebounds and 16 points.

Taking their newfound success out for a spin against the defending Eastern Conference champions, the Celts got a 99-83 lesson in powerball. The Sixers led by as many as 23 and were never truly threatened.

Philly used 37 points from Allen Iverson, 17 from Aaron McKie and a 46-31 rebound advantage that was even more pronounced than the numbers may imply.

Through 14 wins in their first 21 games, the Celtics were always quick to point out that they still have a long way to go. The Sixers merely gave the C's an idea of how far they are from elite status.