Introduction
The Philadelphia 76ers faced the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated season opener on October 22, 2025, at TD Garden. The game lived up to expectations, delivering intense moments and standout performances. In the end, the 76ers edged out the Celtics with a 117-116 victory.
Game Recap
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with an impressive 40-point performance, showcasing his scoring prowess. Rookie VJ Edgecombe made a historic debut, contributing 34 points, marking the third-highest scoring debut in NBA history. Despite a strong third-quarter surge by the Celtics, the 76ers maintained their composure, with Kelly Oubre Jr.’s crucial three-pointer securing the win.
Key Players
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Tyrese Maxey: Maxey’s 40-point game was instrumental in the 76ers’ victory, highlighting his role as a primary scorer.
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VJ Edgecombe: Edgecombe’s debut was historic, surpassing Allen Iverson’s previous rookie debut record for the 76ers.
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Dominick Barlow: Barlow contributed significantly with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing his versatility and potential.
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Xavier Tillman: Tillman, now with the Celtics, is emerging as a key player, praised for his defensive abilities and recent performances.
Injury Updates
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Joel Embiid: Embiid played 20 minutes in the opener, contributing 4 points, as he continues to recover from knee surgery.
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Jayson Tatum: Tatum is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the Celtics vs. 76ers games on major sports networks and streaming platforms. For the 2025-26 season, NBA games are broadcasted on ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime.
Upcoming Matchups
The Celtics and 76ers are set to face each other again on October 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM PDT, followed by another game on November 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST.
Conclusion
The season opener between the 76ers and Celtics was a thrilling encounter, showcasing emerging talents and setting the tone for the season. With standout performances and intense competition, both teams are poised for an exciting 2025-26 NBA season.