The big picture

Boston Celtics come in 4th on the ladder; Philadelphia 76ers are 3rd. Only a couple of spots separate them, so there is plenty riding on it.

Boston Celtics are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 114.8 points for and 105.1 against.

Philadelphia 76ers are 8–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 109.4 points for and 106.6 against.

Form

Boston Celtics have won four of their last five and most recently beat Charlotte Hornets 119–80.

Philadelphia 76ers have won four of their last five and most recently lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 95–119.

Head to head

These sides have met 133 times on our records since 2001: Boston Celtics 81, Philadelphia 76ers 52.

Last time out (2025-26, Postseason), Philadelphia 76ers won 109–100 at TD Garden.

Philadelphia 76ers have won the last three against Boston Celtics.

Biggest margin between these two: Boston Celtics by 48 points in 2021-22 (135–87).

Players to watch

For Boston Celtics, watch Jayson Tatum (27.9 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Paul George (19.6 points a game, 44 rebounds in 2026-27).

For Philadelphia 76ers, watch Tyrese Maxey (26.9 points a game, 37 rebounds in 2026-27) and Jaylen Brown (21.6 points a game, 60 rebounds in 2026-27).

At TD Garden

Boston Celtics have won 18 of their last 23 at TD Garden.

Philadelphia 76ers have won 3 of 4 at TD Garden.

What the numbers say

On the numbers this is too close to split.