The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers played out an exciting Game 1. This is one of the most competitive matchups in the Eastern Conference playoff table. Boston shone bright to register a victory in the first game, but Philly just won’t go down easy. 

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers: Injury Updates and Lineup Predictions 

The Celtics will lose Gordon Hayward for up to four weeks due to a Grade III right ankle sprain. This is undoubtedly a blow for the team, considering their starting lineup’s strength. However, they have the services of talented players like Marcus Smart, who can step and take responsibility on their plate. 

Jaylen Brown, who starred in Celtics’ Game 1 victory, is listed probable for Game 2, following a hit he took to his quads from Joel Embiid. Brown is questionable due to a right thigh contusion. 

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As for the Sixers, they will still be without Ben Simmons, which is a known fact. Glenn Robinson III will also be sitting out Game 2, due to an oblique muscle strain in his hip. He missed Game 1 as well, and is expected to return in a week. 

As far as lineups go, both teams would obviously display their strongest five for the tip-off. Gaining an early advantage will certainly help in boosting confidence against their opponents. With that being said, here are the projected lineups for Game 2 of the Celtics vs Sixers: 

Boston Celtics

With starter Gordon Hayward out for a period of four weeks, we believe coach Brad Stevens will bring in Marcus Smart to start the game. This small-ball lineup might just prove to be effective, considering the talent they possess on either wing. 

G: Kemba Walker

G: Marcus Smart

C: Daniel Theis

F: Jayson Tatum

F: Jaylen Brown

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers are likely to stay with their starting lineup from Game 1. Al Horford has been very intense on the court with his defense which might hinder Tatum’s productivity in this game. 

G: Shake Milton

G: Josh Richardson

C: Joel Embiid

F: Al Horford

F: Tobias Harris

Are the Celtics on course for a repeat of Game 1 or can the Sixers bounce back? 

Even without All-Star point forward Ben Simmons on their side, the Sixers did manage to trouble the Celtics on the court. Joel Embiid had a good game with 26.0 points and 16.0 boards. However, he mentioned that he needs to do more in order for them to win and progress in the 2020 NBA playoffs. 

Boston looked really comfortable when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were firing for them. The turnover stats for Philly needs to be worked on, as it largely troubled them in the first half of Game 1. We really feel the Celtics have got this one unless Joel Embiid can dig deep and display a terrific performance. 

Embiid’s the one the Sixers are counting on at the moment. He knows it as well. ‘The Process’ needs to dial his game up more, to give the Sixers a chance in this series. But for Game 2, we feel Tatum is going to bring his brilliant shooting form once again.