The NBA-watching world is excited for Tuesday night's showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers (9-2) and Boston Celtics (8-2). Even stars like Kyrie Irving plan to tune in. Yes, the main storyline centers around Jaylen Brown's return to TD Garden, but this matchup is producing plenty of other intrigue. For one, it features the top-two teams in the Eastern Conference through three weeks. That is how Brown himself is treating the occasion, according to his head coach.
“He’s approaching it as another game, {another} big game,” Nick Nurse told the media on Tuesday, per The Celtics Wire's Daniel Donabedian. “He’s excited for the opportunity, but he wasn't expressing it in a personal way. He said this is a really good test for our team, and I agree.”
Article Continues Below“He’s approaching it as another game… He’s excited for the opportunity, but he wasn't expressing it in a personal way. He said this is a really good test for our team, and I agree.”
Nick Nurse on Jaylen Brown vs the Celtics tonight 👀
(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/wpkiOR9WWL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 10, 2026
Brown is right. First and foremost, this is a chance for the revamped 76ers to solidify their identity. They have coexisted exceptionally well in the beginning portion of the campaign, which can be a challenge for many super squads, but a road trip to boisterous Boston will be a difficult test. The Celtics have effectively adapted to roster changes themselves and remain a title contender. Earning a win over Jayson Tatum and company would presumably give Philly a huge confidence boost.
But who are we kidding? This game is not solely about basketball. Even though Brown, Tatum and both organizations have downplayed the narratives surrounding the blockbuster trade that sent the 2024 NBA Finals MVP to The City of Brotherly Love back in July, the public is obviously going to dissect every interaction.