Celtics Could Get a Big Pause Against the Injured 76ers.

Less than two months into the regular season, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are already well-versed in one another.

On Friday night, when the calendar turns to December, the fierce rivals will face off for the third time in just over three weeks.

However, the biggest difference maker for the 76ers may not be facing the Celtics this time around as Boston prepares to host Philadelphia at TD Garden for the first time this season.

Superstar Joel Embiid was listed by the 76ers on Thursday as questionable for the game against the New Orleans Pelicans because of illness. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Embiid missed Tuesday’s game. In the two games the 76ers split with the Celtics in November at home, the reigning NBA MVP averaged 23.5 points per game on 50% shooting from the field, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.

The 76ers may not have Embiid, but they will also be without Kelly Oubre Jr. and Danuel House Jr., two supporting cast members, who were both declared ineligible for the contest. Although the 6-foot-7 wing is anticipated to make a comeback next week, Pompey reports that 76ers head coach Nick Nurse expressed optimism that Oubre might be able to try it out against the Celtics while he heals from fractured ribs. Prior to the injury, the ninth-year veteran was averaging a solid 16.3 points per game.

It doesn’t necessarily mean the 76ers are doomed, even though they might be shorthanded. Despite missing Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown from their most recent game against the Celtics, Boston prevailed 117-107 on the road.

Porzingis was the only player listed on Boston’s injury report related to the Celtics. Because of the calf strain he sustained against the Orlando Magic last Friday, Porzingis will not be able to play against the 76ers.

At 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, the Celtics and 76ers will square off, with Boston hoping to gain the upper hand in their season series with Philadelphia.