The Boston Celtics are set to face off against their longtime rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers, in a highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup at TD Garden. This encounter marks the first meeting of the 2024-25 NBA season for these two storied franchises, and it continues the Celtics’ tradition of playing on Christmas, now for the ninth consecutive year.
Historically, the Celtics hold a 17-20 record on this festive day, with the upcoming game being only their fifth home contest on Christmas. In recent years, Boston has showcased a strong performance during the holiday, winning six of their last nine Christmas games. Last Christmas, the Celtics triumphed over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, led by a stellar performance from Kristaps Porzingis, who recorded 28 points along with 11 rebounds and two blocks.
Leading up to this matchup, the Celtics have a noteworthy Christmas game history that includes victories and some close calls. Recent results highlight wins against the Bucks and a tight overtime win against the 76ers in 2018.
The experienced duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will be key players to watch in this game. Brown has participated in eight Christmas games, averaging 17.8 points, while he is on the verge of surpassing Celtics legend John Havlicek in all-time Christmas scoring for the franchise. Tatum, on the other hand, boasts an impressive average of 23.6 points over his seven appearances, with aspirations to move up the leaderboard for Christmas scoring within the organization.
As for the 76ers, they currently face challenges with a disappointing 10-17 record, falling short of pre-season expectations. A victory against the Celtics could serve as a pivotal turning point in their season, as they look to regain their status as legitimate title contenders.
This matchup is crucial for the Celtics not only to maintain their Christmas success but also to send a strong message throughout the league that they remain a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. Basketball fans can expect an intense and thrilling game as two fierce rivals compete on one of the league’s biggest stages.
This Christmas showdown presents an opportunity for both teams: the Celtics can assert their dominance, while the 76ers can find momentum to reignite their season. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to add another exciting chapter to the rich history of this rivalry.