BOSTON -- A handful of pregame notes before Wednesday's tipoff between the Celtics and 76ers:

The Tony Allen Watch: Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Allen will not play against Philadelphia and offered no timetable for his return. "I don't have a clue when [he will play,] I really don't," Rivers said. "There's no relapse, he's just not ready to play yet. He's getting close."

Two Sixers 86'd: Neither Elton Brand (sore right hamstring) nor Lou Williams (fractured jaw) will play for Philadelphia and 76ers coach Eddie Jordan said second-year forward Jason Smith and rookie Jrue Holiday were likely to start in their place.

Brand will get an extra day or two to rest his hamstring, while Williams will be re-evaluated Thursday. "[Williams] has been terrific," said Jordan. "Terrific leader, great demeanor on the floor, he's really picked the ball up and played well defensively since the Chicago game. He's been a catalyst for us."

Standing strong: Losers of five straight to Boston, Jordan said a "special key" to Wednesday's game would be standing up to a Celtics squad that's far better than their recent struggles indicate.

"Their body of work is better than their last five games," said Jordan. "They're looking at us as a team they've dominated. We've got to come out and a take a physical presence, not be intimidated. That's a special key. There's defensive keys, offensive keys. The biggest thing is we can't be intimidated, we can't be pushed around."

Turkey Day plan: Rivers said he'd return home to Orlando after the game to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. His plans?

"Eat and come back," joked Rivers.

Rivers said he enjoys the commute, utilizing the time to watch game film.

"It's the best, I love it," said Rivers. "For five hours, none of you guys and no one else can get a hold of me. My coaches always laugh. They know when I've been flying because I've had five hours of video straight without interruption. There's nobody knocking on your door in the office, saying 'Sign this,' or 'So and So wants to talk to you.' It's all preparation work."