headtopics
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to play their third preseason game on Saturday, facing off against the Boston Celtics. This exhibition marks one of the final tune-ups for Joel Embiid and his teammates, with only one more preseason contest remaining after this one.
Local fans can watch the 76ers take on the Celtics on NBC Sports Philadelphia, while NBA TV will broadcast the game nationally, allowing fans outside the region to catch the action.
Philadelphia's starting lineup and rotation for Saturday remain uncertain. Head coach Nick Nurse has indicated that he plans to play his starters in only one of the remaining preseason games, and the finale against the Celtics next Friday seems more likely for the starters to see the floor. As a result, tonight's game could feature a heavy dose of reserves and players fighting for a roster spot.
In the first preseason game, Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope started while Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James sat out. If Nurse opts to bench his top five again, Wade and Caldwell-Pope are expected to be among the starters. Jabari Walker, who has shown promise following the loss of Ariel Hukporti, should see extended minutes in a larger role. Rookie Labaron Philon might also have free rein to build momentum, assuming the bigger names are resting. Additionally, tryout players like Duke Miles, Jameer Nelson Jr., and Dillon Jones would take center stage if Nurse continues to sideline his starters. Philadelphia still has one open two-way spot, with Rayan Rupert and Caleb Love occupying two of the three slots, and that spot could go to one of the camp invitees.
On the other side, the Celtics played their first preseason game on Thursday but rested many key players, including Paul George, Jayson Tatum, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. Given the 76ers' plan to rest their starters, Boston might follow suit, as playing its core against backups wouldn't be very beneficial. That could set up the Oct. 16 matchup between these teams as the night their starters face off.
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid is expected to play on Saturday after also missing the Brooklyn game. Center Tacko Fall is currently sidelined, and fellow center Ariel Hukporti is also out. For the Celtics, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Ron Harper Jr., and Sam Hauser all missed their previous contest due to rest or undisclosed reasons. Several of these players could be out again on Saturday if Boston chooses to mirror Philadelphia's approach.
Key Analysis
With both teams likely resting their starters, Saturday's game will serve as an audition for bench players and training camp invitees. The 76ers have several players competing for the final two-way contract, and this game provides a valuable opportunity for them to showcase their skills. The Celtics, similarly, will use this game to evaluate their depth. The outcome may not be as important as the individual performances, as coaches look to finalize their rotations for the regular season.
Originally reported by headtopics.