Eastern showdown: Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers, preview, experts' predictions, injuries and TV

Another episode of this instant classic. The Philadelphia 76ers will be battling against the Boston Celtics. Tyrese Maxey and Jayson Tatum will be tonight's main characters as Philadelphia's Joel Embiid is still injured. The game will be played at the TD Garden in Boston.

The Sixers will serve as visitors in a matchup they know they will have to do really well from start to finish to win. Without their top star, and having lost their last game, the Pennsylvania franchise finds itself in 5th place in the East with a 33-24 record, with the Miami Heat (6th at 32-25) running from behind having won their four most recent games.

The Celtics, meanwhile, are in one of their best stretches of the season. They are still by far the franchise with the most positive record in the NBA: 45-12, with a streak of eight consecutive victories. Even so, and although the game will be played at the TD Garden, they will have to play a great game against a Philadelphia team that will be in serious trouble if they lose.

Read also

“I love it here”: Patrick Williams hoping to continue with Chicago Bulls despite contract coming to end in summer

Expert predictions (Starting fives and winner).

The main predictions for tonight's game place, as usual, the Boston Celtics as the heavy favorite to win. The Philadelphia 76ers have to play the perfect game without Embiid to beat a franchise that has won eight straight. However, all streaks come to an end, and a Sixers win would be a much-needed confidence boost for the franchise right now.

In addition, the starting fives will be as follows:

• Celtics: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis.
• Sixers: Tyrese Maxey, Buddy Hield, Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum, Paul Reed.

Read also

“Lakers better be worried”: Kendrick Perkins warns Los Angeles Lakers about missing place in NBA playoffs

Schedule and TV.

The game will be played this morning at 7:30 p.m. (ET), and will be available on the NBA's official website and app with a League Pass subscription.

Injuries

• Celtics: Jaden Springer (ankle), questionable.
• Sixers: Joel Embiid (knee) and Robert Covington (knee), out. Kenyon Martin Jr. (ankle), questionable.

Read also

VIDEO: The chaotic possession that led Monty Williams to calling out the game's officiating emphatically: "The absolute worst call of the season: no call"