Imago
Jan 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks back during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Imago
Jan 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks back during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Get ready for an Atlantic Division battle as the Celtics and 76ers collide on Sunday. Boston just pulled off a nail-biting 118-116 win over the Pelicans on Friday, while Philly couldn’t quite close the deal in a 137-134 loss to the Nuggets that same night. The Celtics are sitting pretty at the top of the division with a 34-15 record, winning five of their last seven, including two straight. The Sixers, despite being third at 19-28 and without their stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, have been heating up with four wins in their last five.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Boston’s last matchup with Philly didn’t exactly go as planned. They fell behind early and never clawed their way back. That Christmas Day game? The starters held their ground, but the bench struggled. Boston knocked down 40.8% of their threes, but overall shooting sat at a rough 45.3%. Defensively, they let the Sixers find too many good looks. Sure, they dominated the glass 51-39, but it didn’t turn into second-chance buckets. On top of that, they swiped just three steals, blocked four shots, and coughed up 13 turnovers. That’s not a winning recipe, and they know it.
The Sixers are heading into their February clash with the Celtics with some familiar injury news. Joel Embiid is set to miss his 15th consecutive game, and Paul George will be sidelined for the fourth straight time.
Top Stories
Imago
Jan 24, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (L) reacts with injured Joel Embiid (R) after a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Embiid’s situation is getting a bit odd, though. After the team mentioned his left knee swelling, things went quiet for about a week. But before the Sixers snagged wins over the Lakers and Kings, Embiid was seen warming up intensely, even in full uniform. Talk about a tease, right?
Before this matchup let us have a look at the Sixers injury report and depth chart.
Can the shorthanded Sixers in red-hot form beat the Celtics without Joel Embiid?
There are four other names on the injury report apart from Embiid and George. Injuries are stacking up for the Sixers. Jared McCain won’t be back this season even after the knee surgery, and KJ Martin hasn’t played since Dec. 23 against the Spurs due to a foot issue. They’re both out for this matchup.
Andre Drummond is questionable with that nagging toe injury. Every time he suits up, it seems like he’s back on the injury report right after. The Sixers need him at full strength. Caleb Martin, out since Jan. 10 with a hip sprain, is also questionable.
| POSITION | STARTER | 2nd | 3rd |
| PG | Tyrese Maxey | Kyle Lowry | Reggie Jackson |
| SG | Kelly Oubre Jr. | Eric Gordon | Kyle Lowry |
| SF | Paul George | Justin Edwards | Ricky Council IV |
| PF | Caleb Martin | Guerschon Yabusele | Justin Edwards |
| C | Joel Embiid | Andre Drummond | Guerschon Yabusele |
The 76ers have to control the boards and stop the Celtics from grabbing those crucial second-chance points. If they can shut down Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on defense, they’ll be in good shape.
On the Celtics’ side, they’ll need better production from the bench, especially in terms of shooting. They can’t afford to slack off on defense either, and protecting the rim will be key. If they can tighten that up, they’ll have a shot.
What do you think? Who’ll come out on top in this Atlantic Division clash?
Written by
Edited by
Vineet Nandwana