Post by FLCeltsFan on Oct 2, 2016 21:00:43 GMT -5
vs 
Boston Celtics (0-0) vs Philadelphia 76ers (0-0)
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
6:00 PM ET
Preseason Game [HASH]1
TV: CSNNE, NBA LP
Mullins Center, Amherst, MA
Possible Starters
PG: Isaiah Thomas 4
SG: Avery Bradley 0
SF: Jae Crowder 99
PF: Amir Johnson 90
C: Al Horford 42
Probable Reserves
Ben Bentil 50
Jaylen Brown 7
Marcus Georges-Hunt 45
RJ Hunter 28
Demetrius Jackson 9
Jonas Jerebko 8
Jalen Jones 52
Damion Lee 56
Jordan Mickey 55
Terry Rozier 12
Marcus Smart 36
James Young 13
Tyler Zeller 44
Injuries
Gerald Green (hip flexor) questionable
Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) out
Head Coach: Brad Stevens
Possible Starters
PG: Sergio Rodriguez 14
SG: Gerald Henderson 12
SF: Robert Covington 33
PF: Jahlil Okafor 8
C: Joel Embiid 21
Probable Reserves
Anthony "Cat" Barber 5
Elton Brand 4
Jerami Grant 39
Richaun Holmes 22
Shawn Long 36
Timothe Luawawu-Cabarrot 20
TJ McConnell 1
Brandon Paul 43
Dario Saric 9
Nik Stauskas 11
Hollis Thompson 31
James Webb 23
Injuries
Jerryd Bayless (wrist) questionable
Ben Simmons (foot) out
Head Coach: Brett Brown
Game Notes:
The Celtics begin the offseason with a game against their division rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers. The years of lottery picks have given the Sixers some nice young talent on the roster. After waiting 2 years, they finally have their talented center, Joel Embiid ready to make his debut. Dario Saric is also ready to make his debut after playing in Europe for two seasons.
This year's [HASH]1 pick, Ben Simmons, who looked promising in Summer League, will miss this game and possibly 6-8 weeks with a broken bone in his foot. Former Celtic Jerryd Bayless is
also questionable for this game with a wrist injury. For the Celtics, Gerald Green is questionable with a hip flexor and Kelly Olynyk is out as he rehabs from off season shoulder surgery.
It's always a guessing game to predict the starting lineups for teams in the Preseason as coaches often like to play with their rotations and their lineups and get longer looks at different players and different combinations. I've listed a possible starting lineup for each team, but I may be way off.
Things to Watch For
The Sixers are loaded with bigs and it will be interesting to see how they use them and if there will be any indication of one of them being showcased for a trade or possibly one of them falling out of favor. Another thing to look for is Joel Embiid's debut in the NBA. He is a very talented big and we have waited 2 years to see him play.
It will be interesting to watch the chemistry between Rozier and Smart, who appear to be the Celtics backcourt on the second unit. Reports are that they are playing very well together and are building good chemistry. Also worth watching is the battle between RJ Hunter and James Young for a spot in the rotation.
Players to Watch
Celtics
This will be the first time that the Celtics top draft pick will be playing against NBA competition and it will be good to see how he measures up.
Jordan Mickey has had a lot of discussion about his potential and now is the time to see if that potential will turn into talent on the court.
Sixers
The Sixers have waited two years for Joel Embiid's debut and they are hoping that the wait will be well worth it for the talented big man.
The Sixers have also had to wait for Dario Saric to come over from playing in Europe. He is a very talented and versatile player and once again, the Sixers are hoping that he will be well worth the wait.
Keys to the Game
1. Have Fun
2. Stay Healthy
3. Develop Chemistry
4. Win
