NBA: Games to watch in Week 11

3. December 25th, 2018: Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ers

New Orleans Pelicans v Philadelphia 76ers

This is a battle between two of the four elite teams in the Eastern Conference. For the majority of this season, the Celtics have been mediocre. After a 10-10 start to the season, they used an 8 game win streak to move back into the top 5 in the East’s standings. However, a loss to the Detroit Pistons eight days ago derailed that positive streak.

Also hurting the Celtics is a depletion of depth at the center position. Already without Al Horford due to pain in his left knee, the Celtics lost back up center Aron Baynes to a broken hand in a loss to the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night. With only rookie Robert Williams III and second year player Daniel Theis on the roster at center now, the Celtics must play small ball for the present.

In fact in their very next game, after the loss to Phoenix, Boston started forward 6’7 Semi Ojeleye at center. Already struggling for much of the season trying to reintegrate Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving to the line up, Boston has little inside presence to balance with their perimeter game.

The 76ers have Joel Embiid. Embiid was complaining a few weeks ago about his role and how he was being used after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. However, in a victory over the depleted Toronto Raptors Saturday night, Embiid scored 27 points and had 11 rebounds. The Raptors were without athletic center Serge Ibaka and seven footer Jonas Valanciunas.

Celtics center Horford has been upgraded to probable for Sunday against Charlotte but players recovering from knee injuries tend to deal with a lot of swelling. Its unclear if he could play Christmas day as well. This could be a disaster of a game for the Celtics.