Friday night featured one of the NBA's longtime rivalries at its best, with the Celtics and 76ers going at it in a back-and-forth affair that saw Jaylen Brown drop 32 points and Tyrese Maxey record a double-double.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA game from October 27, 2025 on ESPN.

Philadelphia claimed a dramatic road win in Boston, edging the Celtics 117–116 in a tense, back-and-forth contest. The 76ers’ poise and defensive resilience down the stretch proved decisive in securing this memorable triumph.

Anfernee Simons made six 3-pointers and scored 25 points, and the Boston Celtics earned their first victory over the season by pulling away to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 122-90 on Monday night at Smoothie King Center.

The Sixers will not go 82-0 in 2025-26, as the Celtics handed them their first loss of the season. They will have to settle for 4-1 for now.

The Boston Celtics went into Madison Square Garden needing a win over the New York Knicks and they delivered to put the series at 2-1 heading into Game 4.

It seemed like the Boston Celtics were going to cruise to a season-opening win when they took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Visit ESPN for Boston Celtics live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule.

Despite an almost complete overhaul of its starting lineup – shuffled as part of the devastating Jayson Tatum Achilles injury – Boston is still a 2-point home favorite in the NBA odds. However, our 76ers vs Celtics predictions and NBA picks have Philadelphia starting its season with a win on Wednesday, October 22.