Whether it’s an In-Season Tournament or not, this schedule has been strangely heavy in the beginning. Tonight, the Sixers play the Celtics in Boston. Their third meeting in less than 20 games this season will be their third battle.

As both teams won their two November games in Philadelphia, this is a very important game for deciding who gets to play in the playoffs.

For the Sixers, this won’t be easy since they just lost their worst game of the year, 124–114 to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that wasn’t even close.

For this game, they hoped Kelly Oubre Jr. would be able to play again after practicing with the team this week and going on this road trip with the team. Still, they’ll have to wait a little longer. Last night, Shams Charania of The Athletic claimed that the team hopes Oubre can come back next week.

Even though Danuel House Jr. is still out, Philly might get some help on the wings because Jaden Springer is now listed as uncertain after missing the last three games with an illness and Nico Batum is also likely to play even though he hurt his finger again Wednesday night in New Orleans.

One of the most important Sixers still on the injury report is Joel Embiid, who missed Wednesday night’s game because he was sick and is also listed as doubtful. Philly will have to look at the league’s new rules about managing players’ minutes and giving stars rest when deciding Embiid’s situation, since this game was just switched to ESPN.

Because he hurt his leg last Friday, Kristaps Porzingis will not play for the Celtics again. In the last game between these two teams, a couple of weeks ago, Porzignis also didn’t play. However, Boston didn’t seem to miss him much. In the fourth quarter, Al Horford blocked Embiid and made four three-pointers, just like he has done many times before.

So, if the Sixers’ best player is even ready for this game, he will have to once again get rid of those Celtic demons.