preview, tv, lines and notes

The Celtics will try to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this season when they face the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day.

Boston is coming off a 108-104 road loss to the undermanned Magic, who were without three of their top four scorers – Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner. The Celtics had a 15-point halftime lead, but were outscored 65-46 in the final two quarters.

Jayson Tatum was scratched minutes before tip-off in Monday’s loss (non-COVID illness) but is available for Wednesday’s matchup, as is Derrick White (right hamstring), both of whom had been listed as questionable. Jrue Holiday (right shoulder impingement) is out.

The 76ers are 12th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 10-17 record despite acquiring nine-time All-Star Paul George to pair with former MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star Tyrese Maxey in the offseason . However, Philadelphia is 7-3 in its last 10 games.

Tip-off is set for 17. Here’s your Christmas Day preview.

When: Wednesday, 5 p.m

Where: TD Garden, Boston

TV, radio: ABC, ESPN, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Boston -9. O/U: 221.5.

76ERS

Season record: 10-17. vs spread: 10-17. Above/below: 13-13, 1 push

Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 6-4. Above/below: 4-5, 1 pressure

CELTIC

Season record: 22-7. vs spread: 11-18. Above/below: 12-16, 1 push

Last 10 games: 6-4. vs. spread: 3-7. Over/under: 2-8

TEAM STATISTICS

Points per game: Philadelphia 105.9, Boston 119.1

Points allowed per game: Philadelphia 110.4, Boston 109.6

Field goal percentage: Philadelphia .442, Boston .456

Opponent field goal percentage: Philadelphia .478, Boston .457

3-point percentage: Philadelphia .330, Boston .363

Opponent 3-Point Percentage: Philadelphia .357, Boston .351

Today’s stats: Boston is 5-3 on Christmas over the previous eight seasons and has won its last two Christmas games. The last time the Celtics did not play on Christmas Day was in 2015.

Notes: In Tatum’s absence, Jaylen Brown finished with 35 points, nine rebounds and four assists on Monday. … The 76ers will try to build more momentum on Christmas Day after beating San Antonio 111-106 on Monday to pick up their fifth win in their last seven games. Philadelphia prevailed even though Joel Embiid was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls. … Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey had 32 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in the win. … “Over the last 10 or 12 games, we’ve played pretty well in most of them,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “No matter what happens, we just keep going.”

Henry Dinh-Price can be contacted at [email protected].