NBA

Observations after Sixers get blown out by Celtics in preseason

October 10, 2026

The Philadelphia 76ers suffered their third straight preseason defeat Saturday night, falling 144–106 to the Boston Celtics in a lopsided exhibition game at TD Garden. The Sixers, now 1–2 in preseason play, were without key players including LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown, while injuries to Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow, and Anfernee Simons further limited their depth.

The offense struggled mightily, managing just 106 points and committing 13 turnovers in the first half alone, with Tyrese Maxey off to a rough start by going 0-for-4 from the field early in the game. Boston’s star duo of Jayson Tatum (23 points) and Payton Pritchard (25 points) dominated, while VJ Edgecombe provided the Sixers’ lone bright spot with 19 points, four assists, and four steals.

The team’s lack of size at center became evident as Jabari Walker, playing against Boston’s towering frontcourt, fouled out early and shot just 6-for-11 from the field. With their final preseason game against the Celtics looming next Friday, the Sixers will need significant improvements in both execution and key absences to turn their season around.