BOSTON — After sitting several notable starters during their preseason opener, the Boston Celtics played nearly their entire roster during a 144-106 win over the rival Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Celtics star Jayson Tatum started alongside first-year Celtic Paul George, first-year Celtic Mitchell Robinson, wing Jordan Walsh, and veteran guard Derrick White. The 76ers started star point guard Tyrese Maxey and sophomore guard V. J. Edgecombe, yet they had center Joel Embiid, former Celtics star Jaylen Brown, and four-time MVP LeBron James all sit out.
Tatum got the Celtics off to a strong start and was the only Green Teamer to play the entire first quarter. He finished the home blowout with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in 26 minutes
of play. George and White also scored in double figures while point guard Payton Pritchard led the C's with a game-high 25 points off the bench.
The Celtics shot about 47 percent from beyond the arc and held a 21-point lead at halftime. They didn't look back from there, but the starters still played up until the final frame. Boston is now 2-0 in preseason play and will host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Perhaps Celtics fans will get to see more of guard Devin Carter then, as the Providence College standout was one of Boston's best players in a 124-113 preseason win versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. And although Carter was sidelined on Saturday night due to illness, he'll still be competing for the Celtics' final two-way contract.
Boston and Philly will meet again before the 2026-27 regular season tips off. The Celtics visit the 76ers on Friday, October 16, for their preseason finale.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics starters thump shorthanded 76ers in 144-106 blowout win
