The Sixers’ first game after the All-Star break sure did not set the desired tone. They fell to a sixth consecutive defeat Thursday night at Wells Fargo Center, dropping a 124-104 game to the Celtics. Paul George led the 20-35 Sixers with 17 points.

The play – and availability – of star center Joel Embiid has been a huge factor in Philadelphia’s January success. Embiid has appeared in six of Philly’s seven games in the month so far, and he even played in a stretch of six consecutive games from Dec. 30 through Jan. 9 for the Sixers.

BOSTON -- Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid declared at his team's morning shootaround that he wanted the opportunity to guard Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas on a switch during Friday's game. Word got back to Thomas, who happily ...

The Boston Celtics have won seven of their last eight games and are suddenly within reach of the top of the Eastern Conference.

As for the Celtics, they have a long list on the injury report. Star forward Jaylen Brown has been ruled out of this game due to right knee posterior impingement. Co-star Jayson Tatum also landed on the injury report prior to the matchup. Tatum was listed as questionable entering the game and will play in this contest.