Sixers depth players get preseason opportunity against Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers are back in preseason tonight – and this time we should actually get to see it!

The Sixers travel to TD Garden to take on the Boston Celtics on Saturday evening. Luckily, the game will be televised and can be watched on NBC Sports Philadelphia+. However, if you’re expecting to see Philadelphia’s stars, you might still be disappointed. Sixers coach Nick Nurse was pretty clear about what the plan would be before the away weekend that began last night.

(Honestly, I’m not sure why there are two games in a row in the preseason, but I digress.)

Paul George made his preseason debut in Philadelphia on Friday night. While that means we probably won’t see him tonight, take a minute to watch his highlights from this contest. George scored 18 points and six rebounds in the first half after sinking four of EIGHT triples attempted. He finished with 23 points on 53.3% field goal shooting in 26:16.

At least from this position, George looks like a huge boost in production compared to… previous Sixers options.

Tyrese Maxey also appears to have hit the ground running right away as he continued to show off his speed, improved movement/body control and a silky-smooth jump last night. In the 26:19 win over the Timberwolves, Maxey scored 21 points (7-for-14 field goals, 4-for-7 three-point shooting) with two assists and one steal. I would imagine Maxey will be off tonight too, although it’s funny to think of him as a “vet.”

Joel Embiid has yet to take the field in preseason as the team cautiously prepares him for the upcoming season. He didn’t travel with the team to Minnesota last night and it’s uncertain whether he’ll be at TD Garden tonight, but it’s also not expected to see him play now.

So that still leaves the Sixers’ strength, the guys trying to prove they belong on this roster and in Coach Nurse’s mind as he decides his regular season rotations.

Even for an insignificant game, TD Garden could rock tonight. It will be the first time the Celtics have been back in front of a home crowd since winning the NBA championship in June. The only Boston player confirmed unavailable for Saturday as of this writing is center Kristaps Porzingis, who continues to recover from foot surgery in June.

Between a cheering crowd and an impressive Celtics squad that can’t wait to start the hunt for another title, tonight will be a challenging opportunity for the Sixers’ strong players to spend extended time on the floor to express themselves to prove.

(Who do you think would perform most for Philadelphia tonight? In my opinion, it’s Jared McCain and Guerschon Yabusele.)

The Sixers and Celtics kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Game details

WHO: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics

When: 8:00 p.m. ET

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

Regard: NBC Sports Philadelphia+

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Consequences: @LibertyBallers