The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers cross swords in an NBA Cup game at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday. The two Eastern Conference powerhouses have had contrasting starts to the new season. The Celtics are 10th in the standings with a 2-3 record after five games. The Sixers remain unbeaten and sit in second place with a 4-0 record.
The Celtics began their campaign with three consecutive defeats, but responded with two successive wins. It will take time for the new-look Boston roster to find cohesiveness and chemistry for success on the court. Having said that, the two mainstays, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, are doing the hard yards to ensure the team remains competitive while figuring things out.
Meanwhile, the Sixers' red-hot start is driven by Tyrese Maxey's explosiveness and V.J. Edgecombe's exuberance of youth. Maxey is averaging a stunning 37.5 points across four games. Edgecombe has emerged as the early contender for the Rookie of the Year. The rookie's numbers are off the charts as he is averaging 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals.
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Joel Embiid is still under a minutes restriction, but Maxey and Edgecombe's scintillating production has meant that the Sixers' MVP can take his time to return to his absolute best.
Historically, the Celtics have dominated the Sixers and hold a massive advantage in the head-to-head record. Boston has 273 wins compared to Philadelphia's 199 in 472 matchups.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Injury Reports
Boston Celtics injury report
The Celtics only have one player on the injury report. Jayson Tatum remains out with a right Achilles injury.
Philadelphia 76ers injury report
The Sixers listed three players on their injury report. Jarred McCain (right thumb), Paul George (left knee) and Dominick Barlow (right knee laceration) are ruled out. McCain and George participate in team practice on Thursday, but haven't been cleared to play.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Boston Celtics starting lineup and depth chart
The Celtics will start Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta and Josh Minott on Friday.
| PG | Payton Pritchard | Hugo Gonzalez | Max Shulga | 
| SG | Derrick White | Anfernee Simons | Bayloe Schierman | 
| SF | Sam Hauser | Jordan Walsh | Josh Minott | 
| PF | Jaylen Brown | Chris Boucher | Xavier Tillman | 
| C | Neemias Queta | Luka Garza | Amari Williams | 
Philadelphia 76ers starting lineup and depth chart
Joel Embiid is not listed on the injury report and will start against the Celtics. The former MVP will be joined by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Justin Edwards.
| PG | Tyrese Maxey | Kyle Lowry | |
| SG | VJ Edgecombe | Quentin Grimes | Eric Gordon | 
| SF | Kelly Oubre Jr. | Justin Edwards | |
| PF | Adem Bona | Johni Broome | |
| C | Joel Embiid | Andre Drummond | 
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Edited by Atishay Jain

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