The Boston Celtics let a winnable game slip away to the Philadelphia 76ers on opening night. The Celtics' defense and late-game execution both disappeared in crunch time at TD Garden, a sign the team has a lot to sort out as they embark on a season of the unknown.

Joel Embiid struggled to find his rhythm in the Philadelphia 76ers' season-opening 117–116 win over the Boston Celtics, shooting just 1-of-9 from the field for four points.

A new era for the New York Knicks began Wednesday night with plenty of familiar faces hinting at their potential once the roster is closer to whole. For the Boston Celtics, a narrow loss was all about who they're missing -- Jayson Tatum -- and how they'll adjust to life without him.

Xavier Tillman Sr. was the hero for the Celtics on Wednesday night as they eked out a preseason win over the Raptors.

It seemed like the Boston Celtics were going to cruise to a season-opening win when they took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

"Those are the kind of moments that I kind of really relish, and it helps you stay motivated to the consistent, day-to-day grind," he said.

Despite an almost complete overhaul of its starting lineup – shuffled as part of the devastating Jayson Tatum Achilles injury – Boston is still a 2-point home favorite in the NBA odds. However, our 76ers vs Celtics predictions and NBA picks have Philadelphia starting its season with a win on Wednesday, October 22.

Xavier Tillman hit the game-winner with two seconds left in the win, setting the stage for him to be Wednesday night’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow.