The Sixers are likely to be without Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey when they face the Celtics on Saturday night in a preseason matchup.
The Philadelphia 76ers are back in preseason action tonight — and this time we should be able to actually watch it!
The Sixers head to TD Garden on Saturday evening to take on the Boston Celtics and, fortunately, it’ll be televised and can be watched on NBC Sports Philadelphia+. If you’re expecting to see Philadelphia’s stars, however, you may still be disappointed. Going into this away weekend back-to-back that started last night, Sixers’ coach Nick Nurse was pretty clear about what the plan was going to be.
Nick Nurse says Paul George will play & start tonight vs. Wolves. He said most of the vets would play tonight & rest tomorrow in Boston on 2nd of a back to back.
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) October 11, 2024
(Frankly, I’m not sure why there’s a back-to-back in preseason, but I digress.)
Paul George made his Philadelphia preseason debut Friday evening. While that means we likely do not see him tonight, take a minute to watch his highlights from that contest. George had a 18-point, six-rebound first half after sinking four of EIGHT attempted triples. He ended up with 23 points on 53.3% field goal shooting in 26:16.
Paul George put forth a strong outing in his @sixers debut!
23 PTS (53.3 FG%)
6 REB
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/gCsyKpB3iz— NBA (@NBA) October 12, 2024
At the very least, George is looking like a huge boost in production from that position compared to… previous Sixers’ options.
Tyrese Maxey has also seemingly got immediately into the groove as he continued to show off his speed, improved moves / body control and a silky smooth jumper last night. In 26:19 against the Timberwolves Maxey put up 21 points (7-for-14 field goal, 4-for-7 three-point shooting) with two assists and a steal. I’d imagine that Maxey, though funny to think of him as a “vet”, will be off tonight as well.
Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey showing off the footwork and the jumper with 11-point Q3 last night vs. the Timberwolves (preseason)
4-6 FG, 3-4 3PT, 1 AST in 6:26 in the frame pic.twitter.com/PSsNe46RNh
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) October 12, 2024
Joel Embiid has yet to take the court during preseason as the team cautiously ramps him up for the upcoming season. He did not travel to Minnesota with the team last night, and it is uncertain whether he will be at TD Garden tonight, but don’t expect to see him playing just yet either.
So that leaves the Sixers’ depth players, the guys trying to prove that they belong on this squad and in the mind of coach Nurse as he decides his regular season rotations.
Even for an inconsequential game, TD Garden might be rocking tonight. It’s the Celtics first time back in front of their home crowd since winning the NBA Championship back in June. The only Boston player at the time of writing to be confirmed unavailable for Saturday is center Kristaps Porzingis, who continues to recover from a foot surgery done back in June.
So, between a celebratory crowd and an impressive Celtics roster raring to kick off the chase for another title, tonight will be a challenging opportunity for the Sixers’ depth players to get extended time on the floor to prove themselves.
(Who are you most intrigued to see perform for Philadelphia in tonight’s contest? For me, I think it has to be Jared McCain and Guerschon Yabusele.)
The Sixers and Celtics tip off at 8 p.m. ET.
Game Details
Who: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
When: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia+
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers