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Celtics visit 76ers in Jaylen Brown’s first game against his former team since the offseason trade
Philadelphia are set to host Boston in Jaylen Brown’s first game against his former team since joining the 76ers in an off-season trade. The matchup matters because both teams have started strongly, and the writer expects Brown to be especially motivated against the Celtics.
Boston are 8-2, while Philadelphia are 9-2 and have won four of five home games. The article notes that Boston’s wins have mostly come against teams expected to struggle, while the 76ers have beaten several strong opponents; both teams’ losses include defeats by Detroit and Cleveland. Tyrese Maxey has continued to produce alongside Brown and LeBron James, and the writer picks Philadelphia to win at home.
In short
- Brown faces Boston for the first time since his trade.
- The Celtics are 8-2; the 76ers are 9-2.
- The writer backs Philadelphia to win at home.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Philadelphia have the stronger early case: they are 9-2, have been more convincing against higher-quality opponents and have won four of five at home. Brown’s familiarity with Boston and motivation in his first game against his former team could also help the 76ers, whose strong start alongside Maxey suggests they have built effective team form.
The case against
Boston’s 8-2 record still signals a strong team, and its less demanding schedule does not erase the quality of its results. The teams share losses to Detroit and Cleveland, so the early records may offer less separation than they first suggest; Boston could also draw on its experience and familiarity with Brown to challenge Philadelphia on the road.