76ers Looking To End Road Trip On High Note Against League-Leading Celtics

The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers are set for a collision course on Wednesday, February 8 at the TD Garden, a battle of top Eastern Conference teams.

The Celtics are fresh from a rebound win over the Detroit Pistons, 111-99. Philly, on the other hand, is coming off a 97-108 loss to the New York Knicks.

Boston leads the regular-season series against the Sixers following their 126-117 conquest back in October.

This should provide added motivation for Philadelphia, who has fared well on the road thus far.

The 76ers are 4-1 in their last five road games and 8-2 in their last ten overall.

Meanwhile, Boston has won three out of their last four assignments.

Expected to be in the spotlight for this encounter are Jayson Tatum of the Celtics and Joel Embiid of the Sixers.

Philly needs to find a way to put the clamps on Tatum, someone who has been able to generate offense for the C's.

Tatum has collected at least 30 points in eight of his last ten games with Boston.

In addition, he is expected to get the necessary help from Jaylen Brown and the likes of Derrick White and Robert Williams III.

Of those names, White is a name that has been mentioned in NBA trade rumors with other teams aware of the Celtics' loaded backcourt.

Among the clubs that have been monitoring his status include the Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets.

However, an unnamed source clarified that White is untouchable and that it would take a ridiculous package to pry him away from the Celtics.

Embiid has practically done the same, contributing at least 30 points in two of Philly's last three games. He has also made six-consecutive double-doubles.

Aside from the Cameroonian center, another worry for the Celtics is James Harden. He has likewise been dropping double-doubles, particularly in points and assists.

Finally, pulling off a win over the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics would be a statement win for the Sixers.

This was something that George Niang believes could be added motivation for their team in a report by USA Today.

The Celtics are -4.5 favorites to come out on top of the Sixers, who are the +4.5 underdogs.

Moreover, the moneyline for this matchup is set at -190 for Boston and +160 for Philadelphia.

The game will be telecast over ESPN at 7:30 PM ET, and it will have its simulcast on the NBA League Pass.