It’s officially basketball season in Boston, folks.
The Celtics’ preseason slate kicks off Monday night, with the C’s hosting another young Atlantic Division squad, the Philadelphia 76ers, at TD Garden.
Rajon Rondo’s broken hand left a hole in Boston’s starting lineup, and the man filling it — at least to start — will be rookie Marcus Smart, who gets the nod at point guard against the Sixers.
Head coach Brad Stevens clarified before the game that Smart will be playing somewhat of a hybrid role, however, as fellow starters Avery Bradley and Evan Turner also will be tasked with bringing the ball up the court.
Here are your full starting lineups:
Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart
Avery Bradley
Evan Turner
Jared Sullinger
Kelly Olynyk
Philadelphia 76ers
Tony Wroten
Hollis Thompson
Luc Mbah a Moute
Nerlens Noel
Henry Sims
Rondo, Jeff Green (calf) and Vitor Faverani (knee) will not play for the Celtics. Green is expected to return to action Wednesday against the New York Knicks, but he said before the game that his primary goal is being healthy when the regular season opens Oct. 29.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. NESN.com’s Zack Cox will be live-tweeting the game, so give him a follow and keep tabs on the action below.
You also can follow Monday’s Celtics-Sixers game right here.
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Photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
