Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics (Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Al Horford will make his much-awaited debut in green uniform as the Boston Celtics play host to the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday at 7:00 p.m US ET at Mullins Center in Armherst, Massachusetts.
Preview:
After surpassing expectations in the first two years of prodigious head coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics enter the new seasons with much higher goal to meet.
The addition of Horford is a huge for the NBA's most decorated franchise in their pursuit for another championship. However, they would also need another stellar performance from All-Star Isaiah Thomas and budding playmaker Marcus Smart in order to get that goal.
Against the 76ers, the Celtics will be facing a young and talented frontline consists of Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Dario Saric and Joel Embiid, who is just making his first NBA game after injuries derailed his career the first two seasons.
The Sixers' stash of big men looks formidably loaded, even without 2016 NBA Draft no.1 overall pick Ben Simmons, who will miss three months after injuring his foot.
Players to Watch:
Celtics: It's been a while since the Celtics have an All-Star caliber big man on its roster. That makes it Horford's Celtics debut way more special. After putting up double-doubles every single night as a Hawk, Horford will have an opportunity to create his own legacy as part of the Green Machine, and there's no better platform to make a strong impression than tonight.
Sixers: After two major surgeries, Embiid will finally be in an action on an NBA court. There were lots of hype surrounding the 6-foot-10 power forward out of Kansas back in 2014. Two years after, expectations are low for the young big man to make an impact because of his history with injuries, but it's not all over for him. One big performance can change it all for him and the struggling Sixers franchise.
Prediction:
The Celtics are the favorites heading into the match and I see no reason why they can't win this ballgame. Horford is going to have a big debut, while Embiid will make a good account for himself, and please don't get hurt again. The bottom-line is the Celtics have a better bench and backcourt that will create lots of problem for Brett Brown's squad.
Live Stream info:
Sixers vs. Celtics live stream is available on NBA league pass. Follow the scores, boxscore statsheets and highlights on NBA Gamecast.
