Celtics, 76ers Clash With Rival Stars

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will face off for the first time since their working relationship ended in a trade this summer. The Boston Celtics travel to Philadelphia on Tuesday night to play the Philadelphia 76ers. This contest marks the first meeting between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference standings.

The 76ers hold the best record in the NBA at 9-2. They are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the league lead. The Celtics sit in second place in the East with an 8-2 record. Both franchises have performed well since the personnel changes that separated Brown and Tatum.

Brown was traded to Philadelphia in July. The deal sent Paul George and draft picks to Boston. The two former teammates have had chances to communicate since July. They have chosen not to. Brown said Sunday in Chicago that there is nothing to talk about. He noted that both players are on opposing sides and trying to win. He told reporters to check the ball up.

Tatum responded Sunday from Milwaukee. He described the matchup as just another game on the schedule. He said it is nothing more than the Celtics versus the Sixers. Regarding potential small talk before the game, Tatum said he is not able to tell the future.

The trade split the duo that led Boston to the 2024 NBA title. Tatum missed most of the previous season recovering from an Achilles tendon tear sustained in the 2025 playoffs. Brown carried a heavier load for Boston last year. He posted career-best averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

Tensions rose off the court as Boston considered trading Brown while Giannis Antetokounmpo was on the market. The Celtics eventually moved Brown to Philadelphia. He is the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and a five-time All-Star. Brown said he threw his phone across the room when he received the call that he had been traded.

Brown previously described his relationship with Tatum as having no beef. He compared the dynamic to lamb chops and gravy. Tatum said he has no animosity or ill will toward Brown. He added that the narrative has focused on drama rather than the nine years they spent building together and winning a championship.

The game streams on Peacock. Reporters will crowd the court to watch for any interaction between the two stars. Brown said his feelings are in check as he focuses on leading the 76ers. He noted that a 2-1 road trip has not dimmed the franchise's expectations.