The Latest on the Health Front for Friday's Celtics-76ers Matchup

While it's still the early stages of the NBA campaign, with the calendar turning to December on Friday, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are about to square off for the third time this season.

Joel Embiid and Co. got the better of this rivalry matchup in the first go-around, besting Boston 106-103. The C's evened the series with a 117-107 win a week later, earning their best victory this season at that point in the campaign.

Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after his three to help the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers.

After the first two tilts were at Wells Fargo Center, Friday's game represents TD Garden's first chance in 2023-24 to host this clash.

The Celtics are coming off a 124-97 steamrolling of the Chicago Bulls, helping propel themselves into the quarterfinals of the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. They're 8-0 at home and 14-4 overall, boasting the best record in the league.

The Sixers, 5-5 in their last ten contests, are coming off a 124-114 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans and are 12-6, the sixth-best mark in the Association.

Boston enters Round 3 against Philadelphia without Kristaps Porzingis, who's dealing with a left calf strain, but he's nearing his return. He is the only player on the Celtics' injury report.

As for the 76ers, Embiid is questionable for this game due to an illness that kept him out of their defeat against the Pelicans.

Nic Batum (hyperextended right index finger) and Jaden Springer (illness) are probable. Danuel House Jr. (left quad bruise) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (fractured rib) are out, reports Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Oubre is targeting next week for his return and could do so as early as Wednesday, Dec. 6, vs. the Washington Wizards.

Friday night's matchup between the C's and Sixers will tip-off at 7:30 EST. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the contest before, during, and afterward. Follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.

Further Reading

Celtics Share Their Perspective of NBA's Flawed but Successful In-Season Tournament

Celtics' Focus on Winning Habits Keys Blowout vs. Bulls, Helping Them Advance in In-Season Tournament

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

Celtics' Loss to Magic Highlights Their Most Concerning Traits

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Jrue Holiday Shares His Perspective on First Matchup vs. Bucks Since They Traded Him

Celtics Discuss Significance of Rivalry Win vs. 76ers for No. 1 Seed in East

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present