Philadelphia 76ers: 5 must-watch games from 2019-20 NBA schedule
By Derek Hryn
5. Oct. 23 vs. Boston Celtics (ESPN)
Opening night in the NBA is special for so many reasons: Everyone’s team is riding high on a clean slate, the playoff-type atmosphere in the crux of fall, and most importantly, an opportunity to see how the hard work of a long and arduous offseason unfolds.
Another opportunity lies ahead for the Sixers, which will be to kick off the year with a statement victory against the Boston Celtics — something they failed to do last October.
The Celtics have essentially had the Sixers’ number since their 2018 Eastern Conference semifinals series. They bested them in five games, and won last year’s regular season series 3-1.
But now — with no fans clad in green Kyrie Irving No. 11 jerseys and their starting big man of the previous three campaigns playing for the enemy, it’s possible the tables have turned.
As usual, the Sixers play four games against the Celtics, who have also undergone a serious roster transformation this summer. While the acquisition of Kemba Walker cannot be glossed over, Boston has gone all-in on building around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
They should still have enough firepower to finish high in the East rankings. But they currently have no player over the age of 30. And to Sixers fans, that should strike a familiar chord. We’ll see how this sudden role reversal affects the rivalry.
With the “T” word thrown around during free agency, that’s a pretty good start to get the blood boiling between these two organizations and their fervid fanbases. The Sixers are ahead of the Celtics in the latest post-free agency power rankings.