By DJ Harding
The Boston Celtics opened up the preseason against the Philadelphia 76ers. Last season scoring champion and MVP Joel Embiid did not play for the 76ers along with last year’s assist leader James Harden.
For Boston their dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both saw playing time in the preseason opener. Tatum played 27 minutes scoring 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Brown meanwhile saw 26 minutes of action putting up 19 points.
The big newcomers to Boston Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis both saw action tonight. Holiday in 22 minutes of play scored 6 points coming off the bench. Porzingis got the start for Boston and finished with 17 points.
The leading scorer for Boston Payton Pritchard was also the game high scorer with 26 points in 23 minutes of play. Pritchard also made headlines today when he signed a four year 30 million dollar contract extension.
For the 76ers Tyrese led the way with 24 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 29 minutes of action.
Tobais Harris, Patrick Beverley, and Jaden Springer were the only other 76ers players to score in double figures. Harris finished with 13 points, Beverley had 12, and Springer ended the night with 14 points off the bench.
Boston will have a back to back returning to action on Monday night. The Celtics will travel to Madison Square Garden to take on another division rival in the New York Knicks.
Tip-off in New York is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.