The Celtics will not be back at full strength for Wednesday’s Christmas showdown against the 76ers at TD Garden. The team announced hours before tip that Jayson Tatum (non-COVID illness) and Derrick White (right hamstring tightness) will be available after being initially listed as questionable. However, Jrue Holiday has been ruled out due to a right shoulder impingement.
Tatum sat out Monday’s loss to the Magic for the Celtics after being a last minute scratch due to illness. He took part in warmups with his teammates but did not reemerge for the start of the game and was downgraded to out at halftime.
Boston struggled offensively without Tatum available, scoring a season-low 104 points in an upset loss to the shorthanded Magic. White and Holiday played their regular minutes in the loss to Orlando, with White carrying a heavier load of minutes (40) without Tatum available.
The 76ers will come into Boston with all their star power available as well with Joel Embiid upgraded to available despite dealing with a nasal fracture. KJ Martin (foot) and Jared McCain (knee) have been ruled out while Eric Gordon (oral surgery) and Andre Drummond (toe sprain) are questionable.
The Celtics and 76ers tip off at 5 p.m. Wednesday at TD Garden.
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