Celtics Look to Repeat Preseason Dominance Over Sixers in Philadelphia

Boston's defensive identity and turnover pressure give it the edge in this preseason rematch.

BOS @ PHI Oct 16, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTC

The preseason finale in Philadelphia comes with an obvious storyline: Boston beat the Sixers 144-106 last weekend. A blowout in October doesn't settle anything, but it does show how the Celtics' style can overwhelm this opponent when it gets going.

The foundation is Boston's defense. Derrick White's All-Defense credentials, together with Tatum, George, Scheierman and Queta, should set a heavy tone on that end. That matters most in the turnover battle. The Celtics have averaged 28.5 points off turnovers through their first two preseason games. If Philadelphia is careless with the ball, Boston can turn those mistakes into transition baskets and build a lead quickly.

There is plenty of uncertainty. This is preseason, so minutes and rest are unpredictable, and any Boston player could see the floor or sit. The injury report also lists Devin Carter and Ariel Hukporti among the players questionable or out, which adds to the lineup questions. Boston's roster is different now that Jaylen Brown has been traded away, so the Celtics are still working out their identity. That makes the rotations here more important than the final score.

Still, the evidence favors the visitors. Boston has a defensive core that has already shown it can create extra possessions, and the Sixers have a recent 38-point loss to this team to answer for. Philadelphia should be more competitive at home, especially if both teams empty their benches in the second half. But Boston's pressure and ball security should be enough to control the game.

Prediction: Celtics 118, 76ers 107.

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