Celtics' glaring issue presents significant opening night opportunity for 76ers

Elite talent, depth, and experience have been the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics' success under head coach Joe Mazulla. However, with a catastrophic end to the 2025 playoffs, supplemented by an injury to superstar Jayson Tatum and sweeping roster changes throughout the offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers have a key opportunity to chalk up an early statement win over their Eastern Conference rivals.

The Celtics have experienced some major departures in recent months, as a talented core of players, including Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet, have all joined other franchises, taking a wealth of experience and knowledge with them.

Despite a clip surfacing on X in recent weeks showing that Tatum has returned to light action on the court -- including attempting standing dunks -- it would be unrealistic to suggest that the 27-year-old will be returning to competitive action in the near future, given the extent of his ruptured right Achilles tendon.

76ers must take advantage of the Celtics' new look roster

No franchise should be judged on its first 10 games of a new campaign, especially one that is undergoing major personnel surgery. As things stand, Payton Pritchard will form a partnership from the start with Derrick White and will adjust to a role that does not involve him wreaking havoc from the bench.

Similarly, the 76ers also have a fresh face who may occupy a starting guard position in the supremely athletic VJ Edgecombe. Although, in contrast, the Sixers have a sense of continuity in their roster -- albeit it has yet to pay dividends -- as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George will be heading into their second year as Philadelphia's 'Big Three'.

It cannot be debated that this experiment was an almighty bust during the 2024-25 campaign, with a variety of injuries and issues preventing this talented trio from featuring on the court for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, they have had a year of analysing each other's attributes, while also forming relationships off the court.

Paul George is not expected to feature on opening night. Still, after an impressive preseason performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Embiid has showcased that his devastating talents on the court have not dissipated during his lengthy injury layoff, registering 14 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists throughout his 18-minute cameo.

In addition, Maxey and the wealth of backcourt depth that the Sixers now have at their disposal, showcased the versatility and dynamism that they possess during the 110-126 victory over the Timberwolves.

There is never a perfect time to play a franchise as historic as the Boston Celtic; however, while Jayson Tatum begrudgingly sits on the injury table and their new look roster suffers through inevitable teething issues, one must assume that a key opportunity has presented itself for the Philadelphia 76ers.