The Latest on the Health Front Ahead of Celtics-Sixers Game 3

The Sixers came into Boston and struck first as James Harden erupted for 45 points, and the visitors staged a late rally, earning a 119-115 win despite Joel Embiid's absence.

Despite the newly minted MVP making his series debut on Wednesday, a Celtics team that head coach Joe Mazzulla described as "angry, (and) pissed" in the hours between games delivered a 121-87 haymaker.

Now, the chess match intensifies between Boston and Philadelphia. And while there's much second-guessing about whether Embiid should have played in Game 2, considering the Sixers already got what they came for, ramping him up knowing it was unlikely they'd take the first two tilts on the road could prove beneficial.

As for the Celtics, Marcus Smart's taken a beating in the first two games, receiving an elbow to the chest in the series opener, resulting in a chest contusion and reaggravating the upper-back soreness from the hard fall he sustained against the Hawks in the previous round.

Wednesday, when Boston's starting point guard dove for a loose ball, Embiid fell on him, temporarily sending the former to the locker room to deal with a right shoulder stinger and lip laceration.

Fortunately for the defending Eastern Conference champions, Smart's not listed on their injury report ahead of Game 3. Blake Griffin is a new addition, getting ruled out for Friday's matchup due to lower back pain.

Tip-off for Friday night's game is at 7:30 p.m. EST at Wells Fargo Center. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the matchup before, during, and afterward. And follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.

Further Reading

Joe Mazzulla Shares His Perspective on Balancing What's Working with Need for Adjustments

Celtics Head to Philadelphia Intent on Proving Themselves: 'It Doesn't Mean Anything if There's No Carryover'

Celtics Praise Jaylen Brown for Setting Tone in Game 2 Win vs. Sixers: 'It's as Good of a Game as I've Ever Seen Him Play'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 2 Win vs. Sixers: Renewed Defensive Commitment, Three-Point Barrage Even the Series

Film Room: Recalibrating Celtics' Defense for Game 2 Against Sixers

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Game Mismanagement Leading to Losing on the Margins and a Series-Opening Defeat to Sixers

Celtics Address Letting Guard Down in Game 1 Loss to Sixers Team Missing Joel Embiid

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Loss vs. Sixers: The Perplexing Defeats Have Become More Predictable