Celtics and Sixers Face Injury-Stacked Matchup Tonight

BOSTON, Mass. — Once again, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics will clash on the hardwood tonight, marking their fourth encounter this season. As both teams gear up for the 7:30 p.m. EST tip-off at TD Garden, a long list of injuries has cast uncertainty over the match.

The Celtics (44-18) will be missing several key players, including Jaylen Brown (right knee posterior impingement) and Jrue Holiday (hand injury). Al Horford has also been ruled out due to a toe sprain. Meanwhile, star center Kristaps Porzingis will not play due to a non-COVID illness. Jayson Tatum is listed as questionable with a right shoulder impingement after being rested in Wednesday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

On the other side, the 76ers (21-40) face a dire situation as they prepare to take the court without multiple significant contributors. Former MVP Joel Embiid is done for the season, and Tyrese Maxey will also miss his second consecutive game due to a lower back sprain. Paul George (groin) and Justin Edwards (ankle) have been deemed questionable.

Despite the injury woes, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence in his team’s depth. ‘We’ve had to adapt and dig deeper into our bench, but I believe in the guys stepping up,’ Mazzulla said.

The Sixers enter the game reeling from a rough stretch, having lost 11 of their last 12 games. After a promising start to the season, they now find themselves on the fringe of playoff contention. ‘Every game is crucial for us from this point forward,’ said 76ers head coach.

Last season, the Celtics were a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, and so far this year, they’ve shown they can compete again at a high level. The Celtics have won eight of their last 10 games, showcasing their offensive firepower despite their current ailments.

The previous three encounters this season have seen Boston lead the series 2-1, with the 76ers claiming victory on Christmas Day. However, with their current roster challenges, Philadelphia will need role players to seize this opportunity. Players like Torrey Craig and Neemias Queta are expected to see increased playing time. ‘It’s the moment we’ve been training for,’ Craig noted. ‘We have to step up for our teammates who cannot play.’

As both teams look to make a statement, fans can expect an intense battle filled with underdog narratives. Whether the deep rosters can bridge the talent gap remains to be seen as the Celtics host the injury-riddled 76ers.