The Celtics will be on the grand stage that is the NBA’s annual Christmas Day slate, but they could be shorthanded for their game against the 76ers. Three total starters are listed as questionable for the 5 p.m. Wednesday game at TD Garden.

The big name to watch is naturally Jayson Tatum as he’s listed with a non-COVID illness. Jrue Holiday (right shoulder impingement) and Derrick White (right hamstring tightness) are also listed on the injury report.

Tatum missed the Celtics’ loss to the Magic as he was a surprise downgrade right before the start of the game. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla explained the star’s unexpected absence as Boston lost 108-104 to a shorthanded Magic squad.

Considering how much Tatum loves to play and that it’s the Christmas Day stage, he’ll definitely try to suit up for the game. But it’s unclear at this point if he’s healthy enough to do so considering the illness.

When the NBA announced its five Christmas Day games before the season, the Sixers were expected to be a threat to the Celtics. But Philadelphia has struggled with injuries this season, coming into Wednesday’s game with a 10-17 record and outside the play-in picture, much less in playoff positioning. They have gone 7-3 over their last 10 games, so they’ve been playing better, but still a lot more work left to do considering the 3-14 start to the year.

The Sixers were expected to make noise after acquiring Paul George over the offseason. But injuries and absences have again plagued the organization, which has been a constant over the past few years.

Former MVP Joel Embiid has played in just eight games this season after a 39-game campaign last year. George has only played in 17 of 27 games, as well. Early Rookie of the Year favorite Jared McCain also tore his meniscus and is out indefinitely in another unfortunate blow.