Photo: João Pedro Menezes / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers will kick off their 2025-26 NBA season against the Boston Celtics tonight (October 22) at TD Garden in Boston. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Star center Joel Embiid is expected to play after being absent from the injury report, marking his return to the court since February. Embiid, who had knee surgery last April, averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in just 19 games last season.
According to Liberty Ballers, the Sixers will be without veteran forward Paul George, who is still recovering from offseason knee surgery. However, George has been practicing in full and is expected to return soon. Forward Trendon Watford is also sidelined due to hamstring tightness, while Jared McCain remains out following UCL surgery.
The Celtics, meanwhile, are dealing with their own injury concerns. All-Star wing Jaylen Brown is questionable with a left hamstring strain, but has been practicing fully. The team will miss Jayson Tatum for the entire season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. Boston has made significant roster changes, including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and acquiring Anfernee Simons from Portland.
As reported by the Union Leader, the Celtics are expected to start Neemias Queta at center, with Simons providing scoring off the bench. The Sixers, who finished last season with a 24-58 record, aim to improve with a younger roster and contributions from new players like V.J. Edgecombe, the third pick in this year's NBA draft.