Philadelphia brings the better record, but Boston’s power-index edge and stingier defense set up a sharp test.
Tuesday’s matchup puts two 8-2-or-better contenders under the spotlight: Philadelphia is 9-2, while Boston is 8-2. The 76ers own the better record, but the Celtics sit fourth in the power index, four places ahead of Philadelphia at No. 8. Tyrese Maxey has 296 points in 11 games for the 76ers, while Jayson Tatum has 244 in nine for Boston, setting up a battle between the teams’ leading scorers. Boston averages 115 points and allows 104.3 per game; Philadelphia averages 111 and allows 107.9, so the Celtics’ defensive edge could decide whether Maxey’s production tilts the game or Boston controls the terms.