League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Match Previews

ESPN ranks Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics rivalry as top NBA matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 8:44 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

ESPN ranks Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics rivalry as top NBA matchup

Summary

ESPN designated the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics rivalry as the league's top matchup for the 2026-27 season. The historical rivalry faces new intensity following the offseason trade of Jaylen Brown to the 76ers after a decade with Boston. Philadelphia also added LeBron James in free agency, further impacting the dynamic between the two Eastern Conference teams. The teams are scheduled to face each other twice during the preseason before their first regular-season meeting on November 10 in Philadelphia. This regular-season matchup also features the return of Paul George to the city. The recent roster shifts involving Brown, James, and George contribute to expectations of a heightened competitive series between the two franchises.

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Status Watch

•ESPN ranked the 76ers-Celtics rivalry as the top matchup for the upcoming season.
•Jaylen Brown joined the 76ers via trade after playing 10 seasons in Boston.
•LeBron James joined the 76ers as a free agent during the offseason.
•Philadelphia hosts the first regular-season matchup against Boston on November 10.
•The teams will play two preseason games against each other.

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