The Celtics are back on their home court for preseason game number two, already holding a 1-0 record as they face the 1-1 Philadelphia 76ers. Tonight, all eyes are locked on Jaylen Brown, whose presence for the 76ers is gonna be a massive talking point for Celtics fans all season long.
The Offseason Shocker and Starters on the Floor
This isn’t just another preseason matchup, not with the massive offseason shake-up the 76ers pulled off. Philly dealt Paul George, yeah, *that* Paul George, to snag Jaylen Brown. And get this: Paul George is now on the Celtics roster, listed as a player to watch! That’s gotta be wild for fans in Boston, seeing a guy they just acquired on the other side of that blockbuster trade. Jaylen Brown was the only regular starter to hit the floor in both of Philly’s first two preseason games. Nick Nurse, the Sixers coach, has made it clear he’s gonna play his starters in one of these two matchups against Boston, probably their home game. They already sat their main guys and won game one, then played them and lost game two. For our Celtics, Coach Joe Mazzulla is always a bit of a wildcard, but with the starters sitting out the first preseason game, you’d expect to see them for at least the first half tonight. Remember, their initial lineup had Conley, Scheierman, Walsh, Gonzalez, and Garza. Philly has shown a few looks already, starting Caldwell-Pope, Edgecombe, Brown, Wade, and Hukporti in game one, then Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James, and Embiid in game two.
Injuries Piling Up and Roster Adds
Meanwhile, the injury bug is absolutely feasting on the 76ers. They’ve got a laundry list of guys out: Taco Fall with a hip injury, Dominick Barlow’s back is hurting, Adem Bona has a sore foot, and man, Ariel Hukporti is out for the whole season with an Achilles injury. Anfernee Simons is also sidelined with a hamstring issue. Losing Hukporti for the season and with Bona nursing that foot, they’re looking really thin at center. Talk about a brutal start for their new free agent signings, Hukporti and Simons. The Sixers also brought in LeBron James and Dean Wade as free agents, and drafted Labaron Philon, Jr with the 22nd pick. On the Celtics side, Ron Harper, Jr is a game time decision with a shoulder injury, which is way better than Philly’s situation. It’s a reminder of what the 76ers gave up in that offseason, not just Paul George, but also Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre, Jr, and Andre Drummond.
After this game, the Celtics have one more home preseason game against Charlotte before heading to Philadelphia to wrap up their exhibition schedule. That road game against the Sixers will be their final tune-up. For both squads, it’s about tightening things up, figuring out rotations, and getting everyone healthy before the regular season kicks into high gear. Let’s see how Mazzulla plays it tonight and who steps up!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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