Celtics and 76ers Kick Off 2025-26 NBA Season Tonight

BOSTON, MA – The NBA season begins tonight with an exciting matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. The game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.

The Celtics, who finished last season with a record of 61-21, will look to make a strong start without their All-Star forward, Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, the 76ers are hoping to capitalize on the presence of star center Joel Embiid, who is coming off the bench after an injury-plagued preseason.

This season, the Boston Celtics rely heavily on players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, while the 76ers’ roster includes newcomers like VJ Edgecombe, who was drafted third overall this year. Boston enters the game as 4.5-point favorites, with a point total set at 229.5.

Last season, both teams had impressive scoring averages. The Celtics scored an average of 116.3 points per game, ranking eighth in the league. The 76ers lagged slightly, with an average of 109.6 points, placing them 26th overall.

As the Celtics prioritize defense this season, they recorded a strong preseason defensive rating of 100.2. The 76ers, however, are aiming to bounce back despite a challenging 2024 campaign where they ended with a 24-58 record.

With both teams eager to set the tone for the season, fans can expect an intense rivalry match as the Celtics host the 76ers in what promises to be a thrilling season opener.

Experts suggest the Celtics could pull off a victory, but if Embiid is on form and Maxey plays to his full potential, the 76ers may surprise many. The stage is set for an epic clash at TD Garden.