NBA fans will be beaming with excitement are the playoffs are finally back. There are a few juicy matchups in the first round. The Boston Celtics qualified as the #3 seed in the East and will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their first-round matchup.

This series is certainly one to look forward to, but the Sixers will miss out on their star point-forward Ben Simmons. The 24-year-old will not be available for the rest of the season because of a major knee injury, for which he recently underwent surgery. 

Joel Embiid too had some problems with his wrist and his ankle, but he’s expected to start tonight to boost Philly in Game 1. On the other hand, Glenn Robinson III who adds a bit of depth to the roster is out of the game with an oblique muscle strain (hip). 

The Celtics don’t have a major player loss due to injuries, at least unlike the Sixers who’ll be without Simmons for the rest of the season. Rookie Romeo Langford is the only player questionable for Game 1, with a torn ligament in his wrist. 

Furthermore, the Celtics have no other player to worry about in terms of injury. But the Philadelphia 76ers will miss the explosiveness of Simmons, which would be tough to replace. 

The Boston Celtics and the Sixers are expected to tip-off with a robust starting lineup 

It is Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. A good start for both teams would help in going a long way this season. Moreover, an experienced starting lineup to open the proceedings will boost confidence for the entire roster. 

The Celtics are not bothered by any major injuries at the moment. Thus, we can expect them to go with their most powerful starting lineup at disposal. The Celtics have a very versatile starting five, with players who can almost rotate their positions and still excel in them. 

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So, Kemba Walker as the PG, Jayson Tatum as the PF, Daniel Theis as the Center, Jaylen Brown as the SG, and Gordon Hayward as the SF is the expected lineup that Boston might start with. 

On the other hand, things are a little tricky for the Sixers. Al Horford will probably start as the PF, and many are expecting Matisse Thybulle to start the game tonight. The 23-year-old has only started 14 games for the Sixers this season. Coach Brown did not establish that Thybulle will be a starter,  but he did talk about his added defensive duties. 

The Sixers would definitely look to get off on a firm foot in Game 1. So, we think that Joel Embiid will start. Al Horford and Tobias Harris will be starters too. While Josh Richardson might have a guaranteed place, Brett Brown would juggle between starting Shake Milton and Thybulle.