Sixers-Celtics: Joel Embiid could key an upset
The 76ers are seeking their first victory of the season over Boston, after two setbacks.
Boston Celtics (33-10) at 76ers (19-19)
Thursday at 3 p.m., at The 02 Arena
Talking points
The Sixers will need a heavy dose of Joel Embiid to have a chance to win this game.
The center struggled from the field in the teams' first meeting, a 102-92 Celtics victory Oct. 20. He missed their second meeting, a 108-97 Boston decision on Nov. 30, because of not playing on back-to-back nights. The Celtics took advantage of his offensive problems in the first game and his absence in the second. Embiid had a game-high 14 rebounds and two blocks in the October meeting, but made just 4 of 16 shots (0 for 6 on three-pointers) en route to 11 points.
How to watch and follow the game
TV and streaming: NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBA TV
Radio: 97.5 FM
Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers
Starting lineups
Celtics (33-10)
0 Jayson Tatum SF 6-8 13.9 ppg 5.5 rpg.
42 Al Horford PF 6-10 13.4 ppg. 7.9 rpg.
46 Aron Baynes C 6-10 6.0 ppg. 5.3 rpg.
7 Jaylen Brown SG 6-7 14.1 ppg. 5.7 rpg.
11 Kyrie Irving PG 6-3 24.1 ppg. 5.0 apg.
Coach: Brad Stevens (fifth season, 199-172)
Injury report: Gordon Hayward (left ankle rehab, out)
Sixers (19-19)
33 Robert Covington SF 6-9 13.9 ppg. 6.0 rpg
9 Dario Saric PF 6-10 13.6 ppg. 6.9 rpg.
21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 23.8 ppg. 10.9 rpg.
17 JJ Redick SG 6-4 17.3 ppg. 3.4 apg.
25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 16.9 ppg. 7.5 apg.
Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 94-272)
Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder rehabilitation, out); Furkan Korkmaz (Lisfranc fracture, out).
Head to head
The Celtics have a 257-185 series lead after winning this season's first two meetings.
Coming games
Monday: 1 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Toronto Raptors at Sixers
Jan. 18: 7 p.m., at TD Garden, Sixers at Celtics
Jan. 20: 7:30 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Milwaukee Bucks at Sixers
Jan. 22: 8 p.m., at FedEx Forum, Sixers at Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 24: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Chicago Bulls at Sixers