Both teams come into the season opener with drastically different outlooks. The Celtics, fresh off a major roster overhaul following Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury, will rely on new faces to carry the load. Gone are key contributors Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown is questionable for Game 1 with a lingering hamstring issue. That leaves Derrick White as the only returning guaranteed starter from last year, now joined by Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta. Joe Mazzulla’s defense, ranked second in points allowed a season ago, faces a tough test to replicate that success without its former core.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are optimistic, starting the season with reigning MVP Joel Embiid finally healthy after a campaign limited to just 19 games. Philadelphia’s new-look roster, featuring All-Star Tyrese Maxey and potentially Paul George—who has recovered from offseason knee surgery—adds to their confidence. Rookies like VJ Edgecombe and offseason acquisitions Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain provide depth, with the expectation that the Sixers can immediately challenge for the Atlantic Division crown.
Recent history between the clubs adds intrigue. Last year, the Sixers won their first meeting in Boston on Christmas Day 118-114, with Embiid contributing 27 points and 9 rebounds. However, the Celtics still hold a 6-2 edge over the last eight matchups, though Philadelphia is 4-4 against the spread in those games.
From a betting perspective, market odds reflect the Celtics’ home-court advantage but acknowledge the Sixers’ health and depth. The over/under has been set at 229.5 points, and the moneyline currently favors Boston at -195, with Philadelphia as a live underdog at +165. Analysts are leaning toward the 76ers as a strong moneyline value (+115), citing Embiid’s dominance and Boston’s depleted frontcourt as deciding factors.
The game also serves as the first of four regular season meetings, with the next showdown set for October 31 in Philadelphia—the Celtics’ NBA Cup In-Season Tournament debut. With so much change on both rosters and early season momentum at stake, expect a tightly contested opener and a showcase for two teams with championship aspirations.
For more in-depth previews, check out the Covers 76ers vs Celtics predictions and stay up to date with the latest Celtics Blog coverage as the NBA season gets underway.