The Boston Celtics delivered a commanding 144-106 preseason victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on October 10, 2026. Payton Pritchard's 25 points and Jayson Tatum's 23 led a deep Celtics squad that overwhelmed a shorthanded Philadelphia team missing several stars.
This win followed a 124-113 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8. The Celtics' preseason record now stands at 2-0 as they build chemistry with new additions. Their next test is a home game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 14.
The game started slowly for Boston's new-look starting five. Jayson Tatum and Paul George missed early shots, and the team fell into an 8-0 hole. Mitchell Robinson finally got the Celtics on the board with a putback dunk. Boston's offense didn't find its rhythm until the bench unit entered.
Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser provided an immediate spark. Tatum then kicked into gear, hitting a pair of three-pointers and making sharp passes. His assist to a cutting Hauser gave Boston its first lead at 19-18. Payton Pritchard closed the first quarter with free throws for a 24-20 edge.
The second quarter was a complete turnaround. Boston's energy on the glass created second-chance points. Pritchard caught fire, scoring 11 points in the period alone with multiple three-pointers. Rookies Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez also contributed with defensive plays and a three-pointer. The Celtics outscored Philadelphia decisively, turning a close game into a rout by halftime.
This was the first game action for several Celtics players. Paul George and Mitchell Robinson made their unofficial debuts in green. Derrick White, Tatum, Queta, Pritchard, and Hauser also returned after sitting out the preseason opener. Their integration is a primary focus for this exhibition slate.
Boston's depth was simply too much. Even with Ron Harper Jr. (shoulder) and Devin Carter (illness) out, the Celtics had plenty of firepower. The bench mob, led by Pritchard's scoring burst, overwhelmed Philadelphia's reserves. The 76ers, playing without Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown, couldn't match the intensity.
Coach Joe Mazzulla will be pleased with the ball movement and defensive activity in the second and third quarters. The early struggles were expected for a group playing together for the first time. The rapid adjustment and unselfish play are positive signs.
The Celtics continue their preseason schedule at home against the Charlotte Hornets on October 14. It's another chance to refine rotations and build cohesion before the regular season tips off. Fans can track the team's preparation and view the full preseason slate on our schedule page.
Attention will remain on how the new pieces fit. The early connection between Tatum and George, along with Robinson's rim protection, are storylines to watch. Managing minutes for returning players like White and Pritchard will also be a priority. This blowout win provides momentum, but the focus is squarely on process and health as the real games approach.
