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Boston Celtics (35-21) vs Philadelphia 76ers (36-20), Wells Fargo Center
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Boston Celtics tonight at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Celtics are coming off a defeat at the hands of the LA Clippers, whereas the 76ers routed the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
Let us see how things stand for both teams tonight.
The Boston Celtics' perspective
The Boston Celtics have a lot of problems hovering over them, and their last two games are proof of that.
“I watch all these other teams around the league and guys are up on the bench — they’re jumping on the court; they’re enjoying their teammates’ success. They’re enjoying everything, they’re playing together, and they’re playing to win. And when I look at us, I just see a bunch of individuals. It hasn’t been fun for a long time,” Marcus Morris told reporters yesterday.
These words accurately describe the state of the Celtics' unit after they blew a 22-point lead against the Clippers (who had already lost their two main guys). They have Kyrie Irving out tonight due to a knee-strain. Along with that, Aron Baynes is also dealing with a left foot contusion.
The Celtics will look to start afresh tonight and try to upset the good-looking 76ers' side.
Predicted lineup: Marcus Morris Sr., Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier.
The Philadelphia 76ers' perspective
The 76ers have added Tobias Harris to the starting line-up, making them a strong contender in the East.
Joel Embiid scored 37 points and collected 14 rebounds against the Lakers on Sunday. He was well-assisted by Harris, who contributed 22 points. Four starters were in double figures, and the 76ers looked solid on the defensive end.
The hosts have an upper hand tonight, but they can't take this young Celtics' squad lightly.
Predicted lineup: Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and JJ Reddick.
How things might unfold
The 76ers look like a complete team right now. They have every department covered with high-quality players in the squad.
The Celtics, on the other hand, will be without their leader; a lot will hinge on the youngsters in their squad tonight.
The 76ers are hot at home too, and it is unlikely they are losing this one.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers to beat Boston Celtics
