The Boston Celtics visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night in the first regular-season meeting between the teams since Paul George was traded to Boston this offseason. Paul George, who played his first game back in Philadelphia on Tuesday, described his experience with the Celtics as exceeding expectations during a shootaround interview. George averaged 20.4 points per game through nine contests, shooting 46.5% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range, while the Celtics entered the game with an 8-2 record, half a game behind the conference-leading 76ers (9-2).
The matchup carries additional significance as it features the first meeting between long-time Boston teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who was acquired by Philadelphia in the trade that sent George to Boston. Brown, now with the 76ers, is averaging 22.3 points per game this season. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET from Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena and will air on NBC.
Context and Rivalry History
The teams last met in the playoffs last spring, when the 76ers overcame a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Celtics in seven games. Philadelphia’s victory in Game 7 at TD Garden marked one of the most notable playoff collapses in Celtics franchise history. The 76ers have since bolstered their roster by adding LeBron James alongside Tyrese Maxey, further elevating their status as title contenders. Boston, meanwhile, enters the game with a revamped roster and a renewed focus on redemption.
Game Preview and Storylines
For George, the return to Philadelphia represents a chance to face his former team amid a career resurgence. His comments during shootaround highlighted the cultural and competitive shift he has experienced in Boston, where he described the environment as "fun" and conducive to high-level play. The Celtics, currently among the Eastern Conference’s top teams, will look to assert their dominance in the rematch while George seeks to showcase his adaptation to his new franchise.
The 76ers, buoyed by James’ veteran leadership and Maxey’s scoring prowess, are favored to capitalize on home-court advantage. Philadelphia’s roster depth and experience in high-pressure moments position them as a formidable opponent, particularly in a primetime rematch of last season’s heartbreaking series.
The game also serves as a litmus test for both teams’ chemistry and resilience, with early-season performances already shaping narratives around championship contention. Boston’s ability to maintain its winning pace and Philadelphia’s capacity to build on its offseason additions will be closely scrutinized as the season progresses.