The Boston Celtics delivered a commanding 144-106 preseason victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on October 10, 2026. This dominant performance followed a 124-113 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8.
The Celtics' offense was unstoppable against Philadelphia, putting up 144 points. This came just two days after they scored 124 against Cleveland. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has been integrating new pieces like Paul George while seeing promising signs from young players. After the 76ers game, Mazzulla highlighted George's immediate impact, praising his defensive communication and leadership on the floor. Rookies like Devin Carter and Baylor Scheierman also earned praise from teammates for their debuts, with Payton Pritchard stating Carter "can be the best defender in the NBA."
Beyond the final scores, these preseason contests are revealing the team's potential identity. Veteran forward Paul George, acquired in the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, is already fitting in. His connection with Jayson Tatum is a focal point. Tatum himself looks ready for a big season, showing no signs of holding back after his Achilles recovery and even expecting to play back-to-back games. The team's defensive potential is also a major talking point, with analysts suggesting this group "may already be elite on defense." The center rotation, featuring Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, is providing unexpected depth.
Several narratives are developing as the preseason unfolds. The dynamic between Tatum and his former co-star Jaylen Brown remains a topic, with Brown comparing his return to Boston to "running into your ex." How George balances his respect for former 76ers teammates like Joel Embiid with his new Celtics loyalty will be interesting. Internally, the coaching staff faces decisions on rotation minutes, particularly regarding shooter Sam Hauser. Also, young wing Hugo Gonzalez's hot preseason start has fans wondering if it's a sign of things to come.
The Celtics' next test is another preseason game at home against the Charlotte Hornets on October 14, 2026. This will be a final tune-up before the regular season begins. The team will look to maintain its offensive rhythm and defensive intensity. The early performances have set a high standard, and the focus now shifts to carrying this momentum into games that count.
