By Floyd Barber

The 76ers are looking to dig their way out of an early hole and get back into playoff contention before the season gets away from them. They were expected to be among the best teams in the Eastern Conference after acquiring Paul George in the offseason. But while they head into Christmas at 10-17, their 7-3 record over the past 10 games shows promise. As for the Celtics, the reigning NBA champions remain the team to beat and are at full strength. The amount of star power in this game is remarkable with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis on one end and George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the other.

The Boston Celtics will be looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this season when they meet the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

The Celtics didn’t have Jayson Tatum (illness) for Monday night’s 108-104 loss at Orlando and turned in one of their worst performances of the season.

Tatum, who leads the Celtics in scoring, rebounding and assists, was scratched minutes before the opening tip. Boston set season lows for points, (104), assists (13), 3-point attempts (32) and made 3-pointers (eight) in the loss.

The 76ers will be trying to build more momentum on Christmas Day after they beat San Antonio 111-106 Monday to collect their fifth victory in their past seven games. Philadelphia prevailed even though Joel Embiid was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls.

This will be the first meeting between the Celtics and 76ers this season. Boston is averaging 119.1 points per game and allowing an average of 109.6. Philadelphia is scoring 105.9 per game and giving up 110.4.

COURTESY NBA COMMUNICATIONS