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NBA · Final/OT

Celtics Edge 76ers in Overtime Thriller

Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics4-0
125
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers1-3
120

Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Xfinity Mobile Arena

Quick answers

Who won Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers?

Boston Celtics beat Philadelphia 76ers 125-120 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 16, 2026.

Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers?

Philadelphia 76ers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The underdog won.

The Boston Celtics secured a thrilling 125-120 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in an overtime showdown at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. This match was particularly noteworthy as it marked the start of their season series, with the Celtics showcasing their strong form against a struggling 76ers team. The Celtics, boasting a perfect 4-0 record prior to this game, continued their winning streak, having won their last five games, while the 76ers fell to 1-3.

In terms of recent performance, the Celtics have been dominant, averaging 125.3 points per game over their last ten outings while allowing just 108.3 points. Their latest victory against the Charlotte Hornets, where they won 114-93, further solidified their status as a formidable opponent. In contrast, the 76ers have struggled, averaging 113.0 points scored and 113.3 points allowed in their last ten games, with their most recent loss against the Celtics being a significant setback, where they were defeated 144-106.

At home, the 76ers have a record of 3-1, but their overall performance has been inconsistent, particularly in their last two games, which they lost. The Celtics, on the other hand, have been impressive on the road, holding a 3-1 record away from home, and their recent form suggests they are hitting their stride as the season progresses.

The matchup also featured a number of injuries that could have impacted the teams. The 76ers had several players listed as day-to-day, including VJ Edgecombe, Anfernee Simons, Adem Bona, and Dominick Barlow, while Ariel Hukporti was ruled out due to an Achilles injury. For the Celtics, Sam Hauser, Devin Carter, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, and Paul George were all day-to-day, with the status of their participation in future games uncertain.

The betting market reflected the Celtics' strong form, with DraftKings setting the spread at PHI -10.5, indicating a significant expectation for the 76ers to perform well at home despite their recent struggles. The total for the game was set at 225.5, with odds for the over at -115.0 and the under at -105.0, showcasing the anticipation of a high-scoring affair.

The game conditions were conducive for a competitive matchup, with both teams looking to establish early dominance. The Celtics took control early, and despite a valiant effort from the 76ers, the game extended into overtime. Key moments in the overtime period included Dillon Jones making a crucial two-point shot, followed by Milos Uzan hitting free throws to tie the game. However, the Celtics pulled away in the closing moments with pivotal plays from Dillon Mitchell and Jameer Nelson Jr., sealing the victory.

Overall, this game highlighted the Celtics' ability to perform under pressure and their current form as a leading team in the league, while the 76ers will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.

What we said beforehand

The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated matchup at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 16, 2026. This game marks the start of the series between the two teams, which will continue on November 10. The 76ers enter this contest with a home record of 1-2, while the Celtics are riding high with an impressive away record of 3-0.

The recent form of both teams presents a stark contrast. The 76ers have lost their last two games, including a significant defeat against the Celtics on October 11, where they fell 144-106. In their last five games, the 76ers have managed just one win, scoring an average of 113.0 points while allowing 113.3 points per game. Their overall record in the last ten games stands at 5-5. In contrast, the Celtics are on a five-game winning streak, having won their last five contests. They have averaged 125.3 points scored and allowed only 108.3 points during this stretch, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength. Their last five games have seen them achieve a record of 5-0, indicating a strong start to the season.

When considering home versus away performance, the 76ers have a home record of 3-1, while the Celtics boast an unblemished home record of 6-0 and a solid away record of 3-1. This disparity in performance could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.

Historically, the 76ers and Celtics have faced each other five times in recent seasons, with the Celtics holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record at 3-2. The most recent meeting on October 11 ended in a decisive victory for the Celtics, which could impact the confidence of the 76ers heading into this game.

In terms of injuries, the 76ers are dealing with several players listed as day-to-day, including VJ Edgecombe (rest), Anfernee Simons (hamstring), Adem Bona (foot), Dominick Barlow (back), and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (rest). The Celtics have Devin Carter also listed as day-to-day due to illness. The status of these players could significantly affect both teams' strategies and performance.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has set the spread at PHI -6.5, with a total of 225.5 points for the game. The moneyline odds show the 76ers at -218.0 and the Celtics at 180.0, indicating a perceived advantage for the home team despite their current form.

As the game approaches, fans should watch for how the 76ers respond after their recent defeats, particularly against a strong opponent like the Celtics. The performance of both teams' key players will be crucial, especially in light of the injuries affecting the 76ers. The matchup promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsPHI -10.5 225.5 o -115 / u -105 Boston Celtics +330 · Philadelphia 76ers -425

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • VJ EdgecombeDay-To-DayRestPhiladelphia 76ers
  • Anfernee SimonsDay-To-DayHamstringPhiladelphia 76ers
  • Adem BonaDay-To-DayFootPhiladelphia 76ers
  • Dominick BarlowDay-To-DayBackPhiladelphia 76ers
  • Ariel HukportiOutAchillesPhiladelphia 76ers
  • Sam HauserDay-To-DayRestBoston Celtics
  • Devin CarterDay-To-DayIllnessBoston Celtics
  • Mitchell RobinsonDay-To-DayRestBoston Celtics
  • Neemias QuetaDay-To-DayRestBoston Celtics
  • Paul GeorgeDay-To-DayRestBoston Celtics

Leaders

  • PointsJoel Embiid27Philadelphia 76ers
  • AssistsLeBron James7Philadelphia 76ers
  • ReboundsJoel Embiid8Philadelphia 76ers
  • PointsHugo Gonzalez21Boston Celtics
  • AssistsHayden Gray7Boston Celtics
  • ReboundsGabe McGlothan13Boston Celtics

Recent form

Philadelphia 76ers

Last 10: 5-5Streak L2113 scored · 113.3 allowed per game3-1 at home

  • L106-144at Boston CelticsOct 11
  • L108-114at Brooklyn NetsOct 8
  • W120-97vs New York KnicksOct 5
  • W126-106vs Milwaukee BucksApr 12
  • W105-94at Indiana PacersApr 10
  • L102-113at Houston RocketsApr 10
  • L102-115at San Antonio SpursApr 7
  • L93-116vs Detroit PistonsApr 4
  • W115-103vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 3
  • W153-131at Washington WizardsApr 1

Boston Celtics

Last 10: 9-1Streak W5125.3 scored · 108.3 allowed per game3-1 away

  • W114-93vs Charlotte HornetsOct 14
  • W144-106vs Philadelphia 76ersOct 11
  • W124-113at Cleveland CavaliersOct 8
  • W113-108vs Orlando MagicApr 12
  • W144-118vs New Orleans PelicansApr 10
  • L106-112at New York KnicksApr 9
  • W113-102vs Charlotte HornetsApr 8
  • W115-101vs Toronto RaptorsApr 5
  • W133-101at Milwaukee BucksApr 4
  • W147-129at Miami HeatApr 1

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Boston-0W41.0004
Brooklyn11L1.7503
Toronto2.53L2.4002
Philadelphia33L3.2501
New York3.54W1.2001

Box score

StatBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ers
Field goals44-10841-92
Field goal %4145
Three-pointers17-547-38
Three-point %3118
Free throws20-2631-41
Free throw %7776
Rebounds6346
Offensive rebounds185
Defensive rebounds4541
Assists3129
Steals1314
Blocks45
Turnovers2118
Team turnovers30
Technical fouls10
Technical fouls, total10
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2722
Fast-break points1825
Points in the paint4452
Fouls2519
Largest lead814
Lead changes1616
Time in front2763

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter77-88Jabari Walker makes 4-foot hook shot (Joel Embiid assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter77-89Joel Embiid makes free throw 1 of 2
  3. 3rd Quarter77-90Joel Embiid makes free throw 2 of 2
  4. 3rd Quarter79-90Dillon Mitchell makes dunk
  5. 3rd Quarter82-90Milos Uzan makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dillon Mitchell assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter82-92Jabari Walker makes driving layup (Joel Embiid assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter84-92Hayden Gray makes 21-foot jumper (Dillon Mitchell assists)
  8. 3rd Quarter84-94Tyrese Maxey makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
  9. 4th Quarter86-94Ron Harper Jr. makes 2-foot layup (Amari Williams assists)
  10. 4th Quarter89-94Tucker DeVries makes 27-foot three point jumper (Gabe McGlothan assists)
  11. 4th Quarter92-94Tucker DeVries makes 23-foot three point jumper (Hayden Gray assists)
  12. 4th Quarter92-96Jaylen Brown makes 18-foot fade away jump shot
  13. 4th Quarter95-96Ron Harper Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dillon Mitchell assists)
  14. 4th Quarter95-98Jaylen Brown makes 3-foot floating jump shot (Labaron Philon Jr. assists)
  15. 4th Quarter97-98Ron Harper Jr. makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Amari Williams assists)
  16. 4th Quarter97-100Labaron Philon Jr. makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot (Justin Edwards assists)
  17. 4th Quarter99-100Chris Cenac Jr. makes 16-foot driving floating jump shot
  18. 4th Quarter102-100Tucker DeVries makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Hayden Gray assists)
  19. 4th Quarter102-102Jabari Walker makes layup (Labaron Philon Jr. assists)
  20. 4th Quarter102-104Jabari Walker makes 1-foot two point shot (Labaron Philon Jr. assists)
  21. 4th Quarter102-105Jabari Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
  22. 4th Quarter104-105Chris Cenac Jr. makes 2-foot layup (Hayden Gray assists)
  23. 4th Quarter106-105Ron Harper Jr. makes alley oop layup (Hayden Gray assists)
  24. 4th Quarter106-107Labaron Philon Jr. makes driving layup
  25. 4th Quarter108-107Chris Cenac Jr. makes 1-foot running dunk (Ron Harper Jr. assists)
  26. 4th Quarter108-110Labaron Philon Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper
  27. 4th Quarter111-110Hayden Gray makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tucker DeVries assists)
  28. 4th Quarter111-112Jameer Nelson Jr. makes two point shot (Labaron Philon Jr. assists)
  29. 4th Quarter111-113Jameer Nelson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter113-113Ron Harper Jr. makes driving layup
  31. 4th Quarter113-115Dillon Jones makes running layup (Labaron Philon Jr. assists)
  32. 4th Quarter115-115Ron Harper Jr. makes 14-foot two point shot (Dillon Mitchell assists)
  33. OT115-117Dillon Jones makes two point shot
  34. OT116-117Milos Uzan makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. OT117-117Milos Uzan makes free throw 2 of 2
  36. OT119-117Dillon Mitchell makes 1-foot running dunk (Gabe McGlothan assists)
  37. OT122-117Dillon Mitchell makes 26-foot three pointer
  38. OT124-117Milos Uzan makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
  39. OT124-120Jameer Nelson Jr. makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
  40. OT125-120Ron Harper Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Philadelphia 76ers, below favours Boston Celtics.

Venue

  • Xfinity Mobile ArenaPhiladelphia, PA
  • Attendance19746
  • OfficialsTyler Ford, Sean Corbin, Catherine Chang

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.