It’s officially time for the enticing Christmas Day matchups. Fans get a chance to relive some of the marquee rivalries in the NBA. In the East, two forces will clash at the TD Garden. The Boston Celtics will take on the Philadelphia 76ers. The Shamrocks, coming off an agonizing home loss were without their leading scorer Jayson Tatum. It was the first time they lost without their talisman in the roster. But against a healthy Sixers squad, they will hope he returns.

Tatum missed the game against the Magic due to an illness. He still came out for his pregame routine. But as Mazzulla revealed, “Right before we came out for the tip-off he did what he tried to do to do to try to play, just wasn’t able to,”. His absence saw the Celtics blow a 15-point first-half lead. Now, against a revived Philly side, how close is Tatum to returning?

According to the injury report, Jayson Tatum remains questionable about playing in the Christmas Day game. But with two days of adequate rest, the Celtics fans can hope that JT returns in time. Especially considering just how much he likes playing against the Philadelphia 76ers. Over his last five games against them, he is averaging 29.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists.

Moreover, little needs to be said about the stellar season he is having thus far. Tatum continues to perform at an MVP caliber and has truly advanced his game sense. Not only has his scoring acumen become sharper, but Jayson Tatum is coming off a strong stretch of scoring 104 points through his last three games.

Celtics depth chart vs Philadelphia 76ers

Considering it was only the first time the Boston Celtics lost without Jayson Tatum, the team does possess the firepower and the ability to cope without their ace. However, Tatum isn’t the only one with uncertain participation for Christmas. Their revered defensive backcourt tandem, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are also listed as questionable with injuries according to ESPN. Here is how they could line up on Christmas with all that taken into account.

If at least the Celtics’ stating backcourt manages to play, they have a great chance against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Tyrese Maxey being in ravishing touch, having defensive pests breathing down his neck could be a way Joe Mazzulla intends to slow his scoring. Furthermore, if Jayson Tatum also suits up, the Boston Celtics look threatening no matter who the opposition.

If the 26-year-old remains under the weather, Mazzulla could try and use Jordan Walsh, a promising two-way forward to match up with Paul George and make his life difficult. With all things being said, while Boston has an advantage, a healthy Sixers team shouldn’t be underestimated.

Who do you think will win in the battle of the East powerhouses? Let us know your views in the comments below.