The new NBA season begins with the Philadelphia 76ers taking on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. After a rough 24-58 season and a 1-3 preseason, the Sixers hope Joel Embiid’s return from knee surgery can spark a turnaround. The Celtics, coming off a strong 61-21 run but missing key veterans, look to keep their edge. With both teams eager to start strong, injuries on both sides might be what holds them back early on.

The Philadelphia 76ers finally have some good news. Joel Embiid has been cleared to play in the season opener against the Boston Celtics and is off the team’s injury report for Wednesday night. It will be his first regular-season game since February 22 last year against the Brooklyn Nets, when he scored 14 points in a loss. His game before that was also against Boston, where he finished with 15 points in another defeat the Sixers hope to move past.

The star center, since then, has been working his way back from an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee performed in April. He made his preseason debut last week against the Minnesota Timberwolves, showing promising form. In that game, he recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in just 19 minutes of action.

Even if Embiid is suiting up, the Philadelphia 76ers will be without several key players for their opening night contest. Paul George has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. Rookie Jared McCain is also out while recovering from right thumb surgery. Trendon Watford joins them on the sidelines due to left hamstring tightness, but things do not look good for the Celtics.

At TD Garden and under the new owners’ watch, the Greens might miss the ‘Jay’ duo. Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable with left hamstring tightness. He has been a full participant in recent practices and is considered day-to-day. Jayson Tatum is out as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon, leaving a significant scoring void for Boston. So, how will the two teams line up?

76ers and Celtics predicted lineups

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to start with:

1. Tyrese Maxey
2. VJ Edgecombe
3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
4. Adem Bona
5. Joel Embiid

Boston will likely counter with:

1. Payton Pritchard
2. Derrick White
3. Jaylen Brown (Game time decision)
4. Chris Boucher
5. Neemias Queta

These lineups highlight both teams’ new identities, with the Sixers emphasizing youth and speed. The Celtics are adjusting to life without several key players from last season’s 61-win team, relying on their backcourt to initiate the offense.

Where to watch the 76ers vs the Celtics season opener?

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time

Where to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia or NBC Sports Boston

Live Stream: Fubo or Peacock

Predictions for tonight’s 76ers vs Celtics

The Boston Celtics enter this game as slight favorites, reflected in the betting odds. Their home-court advantage and experienced backcourt give them an edge in this season opener. The team’s shift to a faster tempo could challenge Philadelphia’s defense early. Yes, Joel Embiid’s return provides a major boost for the Sixers, but integrating new pieces like VJ Edgecombe may take time. Also, the Celtics’ defensive schemes, led by Derrick White, will focus on containing Tyrese Maxey’s playmaking and scoring.

Considering the available rosters and Boston’s cohesion, the prediction is that the Celtics will secure a hard-fought victory at home. Their depth and adjusted game plan without Tatum should be enough to overcome a Philadelphia team missing Paul George.