Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Head-to-Head Record and History

The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics boast one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries, with decades of intense matchups. This Christmas Day clash holds high stakes, as both teams look to assert dominance in the Eastern Conference. In this article, we’ll dive into their head-to-head record, past results, and key stats to analyze this epic showdown.

Historical Head-to-Head Record

The Celtics and 76ers have faced each other over 450 times in NBA history, including numerous playoff battles. The Celtics lead the all-time series, demonstrating their historical consistency and success. However, recent years have seen the 76ers emerge as formidable challengers.

• All-time record:
  • Celtics wins: 275
  • 76ers wins: 175
  • Playoff series: Celtics lead 14-7

This rivalry has been defined by iconic moments, such as Larry Bird and Julius Erving’s duels in the 1980s and recent clashes between Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid.

Recent H2H Meetings

The last five encounters between the 76ers and Celtics have been competitive, reflecting the strength of both teams:

• May 14, 2024: Celtics 112-88 76ers (Playoffs Game 7)
  Tatum’s 51 points broke records as the Celtics secured the series.
• May 11, 2024: 76ers 86-95 Celtics (Playoffs Game 6)
  A defensive battle saw Boston edge out the 76ers to force Game 7.
• May 9, 2024: 76ers 115-103 Celtics (Playoffs Game 5)
  Joel Embiid dominated with 33 points and 11 rebounds.
• May 7, 2024: Celtics 116-115 76ers (Playoffs Game 4)
  Marcus Smart hit a game-winning shot in overtime.
• May 5, 2024: 76ers 121-87 Celtics (Playoffs Game 3)
  A dominant showing by James Harden helped Philadelphia secure the win.

Home vs. Away Record

The Celtics have a stellar home record against the 76ers, winning over 70% of their games at TD Garden. The crowd energy often plays a pivotal role, and Boston’s defense thrives on their home court. Conversely, the 76ers perform better at the Wells Fargo Center but have struggled to replicate that success in Boston.

Key Players and Moments in Previous Encounters

• Jayson Tatum: A key figure for the Celtics, Tatum’s scoring ability has repeatedly turned games in Boston’s favor. His 51-point performance in Game 7 of the 2024 playoffs is unforgettable.
• Joel Embiid: The reigning MVP, Embiid, has been a constant thorn in Boston’s side, often putting up 30+ points in their matchups.
• Memorable Moment: The 2024 playoff series, with multiple clutch performances and thrilling finishes, epitomized this rivalry’s intensity.

Current Form and Key Stats

• Celtics: The defending champions are on a strong run, sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 20-6 record. Jayson Tatum averages 30.3 points per game, supported by Jaylen Brown’s stellar defense.
• 76ers: With an 18-8 record, the 76ers are close behind. Joel Embiid continues to dominate, averaging 32 points and 12 rebounds per game. Tyrese Maxey’s emergence as a reliable scorer adds depth to Philadelphia’s lineup.

Final H2H Summary and Prediction

The Celtics’ dominance at home and recent playoff success give them a slight edge. However, the 76ers’ hunger for revenge, led by Embiid, makes this matchup unpredictable. Prediction: Celtics win in a closely fought battle.