The Sixers take on the Boston Celtics for their second matchup of the year, but this time they’ll be down Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Well, at least someone probably won’t slip on a guard rail this time.
Philadelphia’s six-game homestand rolls on as they welcome the Boston Celtics to town Sunday for another nationally televised contest.
The second of four matchups between the two division rivals, the Sixers won the first matchup 118-114 back on Christmas Day. It was one of their few games close to full strength as Tyrese Maxey led the way with 30 points and 12 assists, while Joel Embiid dropped 27 points and nine rebounds.
That won’t be the case this time as Embiid and Paul George have both already ruled out for Sunday. This will be Embiid’s 15th straight game missed, his longest stretch of the season. George will now miss his fourth straight with a left finger injury.
The Sixers could be getting some depth back though, as both Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin have been listed as questionable. Both have done a lot of on-court work recently after missing a good chunk of January. Nick Nurse has said both of them have struggled getting all the way back into game shape.
They sure could use Martin back, who continued his legacy as a Boston killer back on Christmas. He made a career-high seven three-pointers that helped him put up a season-high 23 points.
Elsewhere, KJ Martin remains out with a foot injury, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. and Pete Nance are out on G-League assignments. The Celtics do not have anyone listed on their injury report.
As was the case back in December, Boston comes into this one a mixed bag. They remain one of the league’s elite teams, but haven’t had to play with the same intensity throughout the regular season like a year ago. They’re 6-4 in their last 10 games, winners of their last two. They’ll be coming off an emotional win, as Jayson Tatum nailed a buzzer beater to knock off the New Orleans Pelicans 118-116.
Game details
When: Sunday, February 2, 6 p.m. ET
Where: The Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers