There’s a certain electricity in the air whenever the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics share a court. These aren’t just two franchises playing a regular-season game — they’re two of the most storied programs in NBA history, going head-to-head in a rivalry that has produced some of the most dramatic moments the sport has ever seen. From Wilt Chamberlain facing off against Bill Russell in the 1960s to Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum trading blows in the modern era, this matchup consistently delivers.
The 2024–25 season has only intensified the conversation. Every time these teams meet, the player stat lines become talking points for days. Points, rebounds, assists, defensive ratings — every number carries weight when the Sixers and Celtics collide. Fans on both sides dissect every possession, every shot chart, every plus/minus figure. And honestly? That obsessive detail is what makes this rivalry so addictive.
This article breaks down the most compelling player stats, performance highlights, and individual matchup data from the 76ers vs Celtics clashes, giving you everything you need to understand what’s really happening on the floor when these two teams meet.
Quick Match & Series Overview
Before jumping into individual player performances, here’s a snapshot of recent 76ers vs Celtics head-to-head context:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics |
| Conference | Eastern Conference (NBA) |
| Division Rivalry | Atlantic Division |
| All-Time Series Leader | Boston Celtics (historically dominant) |
| Recent Playoff Meetings | 2023 NBA Playoffs (Second Round – Celtics won 4-3) |
| Most Recent Regular Season Games | 2024–25 NBA Season |
| Key Players (76ers) | Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George |
| Key Players (Celtics) | Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday |
| Venue (Home – PHI) | Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia |
| Venue (Home – BOS) | TD Garden, Boston |
Joel Embiid’s Dominance — The Stat Lines That Tell the Story
If you’re searching for 76ers vs Celtics player stats, you start with Joel Embiid. That’s just the reality of this rivalry right now. The Cameroonian center is Philadelphia’s alpha, and his performance against Boston is often the single biggest factor in determining whether the Sixers win or lose.
Embiid has historically been a monster against the Celtics. In the 2023 NBA Playoffs Second Round, he averaged 33.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game against Boston — numbers that would make any center from any era proud. The problem wasn’t Embiid’s individual brilliance; it was everything around him crumbling in crucial moments.
Joel Embiid vs Celtics — Career Playoff Stats
| Stat Category | Per Game Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 33.7 |
| Rebounds | 13.3 |
| Assists | 4.1 |
| Blocks | 1.4 |
| Field Goal % | 47.2% |
| Free Throw Attempts | 10.3 |
| Minutes Per Game | 37.4 |
| Plus/Minus | -2.1 |
That minus plus/minus despite those individual numbers tells you everything about how complex this rivalry is. Embiid can go for 40 and still lose, because Boston’s system — built around ball movement, three-point shooting, and switching defense — doesn’t require one person to guard him perfectly. They wear him down collectively.
In the 2023 Game 3 performance specifically, Embiid dropped 52 points and 13 rebounds at TD Garden, one of the most remarkable individual playoff performances in recent NBA memory. He hit shots from every angle, drew 20 free throw attempts, and physically dominated Al Horford for stretches at a time. The Sixers still found a way to lose that series, which haunts Philadelphia fans to this day.
Jayson Tatum vs the Sixers — The Counter-Narrative
While Embiid is dropping historic stat lines on one end, Jayson Tatum is doing the same on the other side. The 26-year-old Celtics star has developed into arguably the best two-way wing in the Eastern Conference, and his numbers against Philadelphia reflect exactly that.
Jayson Tatum vs 76ers — Career Playoff Stats
| Stat Category | Per Game Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 26.4 |
| Rebounds | 8.7 |
| Assists | 5.1 |
| Steals | 1.2 |
| Field Goal % | 44.8% |
| Three-Point % | 37.6% |
| Clutch FG% (4th Qtr) | 46.3% |
| Plus/Minus | +7.4 |
Notice that plus/minus — +7.4 — versus Embiid’s -2.1. Both players are statistically elite in this matchup, but Tatum’s team has consistently outperformed in the aggregate. He’s also shown the ability to elevate in clutch moments specifically against Philadelphia, hitting several late-game shots that essentially ended Sixers seasons before the final buzzer.
In Game 7 of the 2023 Second Round, Tatum finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists in a Boston victory. He wasn’t as gaudy as Embiid statistically, but he made every play count when it mattered — a distinction that defines his growth as an elite player.
Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia’s Heartbeat in This Rivalry
Since James Harden’s departure and with Ben Simmons long gone from Philly, Tyrese Maxey has become the Sixers’ second star and their most reliable clutch performer. The 24-year-old point guard from Garland, Texas, has shown rapid growth, and his numbers against Boston reflect a player who genuinely enjoys the big stage.
Tyrese Maxey vs Celtics — Recent Season Stats
| Stat Category | Per Game Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 24.8 |
| Assists | 6.2 |
| Rebounds | 3.4 |
| Field Goal % | 46.5% |
| Three-Point % | 39.1% |
| Turnovers | 2.1 |
| Minutes Per Game | 35.2 |
Maxey’s strength against Boston is his pace. The Celtics defense is built to slow teams down, disrupt rhythm, and force half-court situations. Maxey combats that by attacking transition early, getting into the lane before the defense sets, and creating contact to get to the free throw line. His 39.1% from three in these matchups gives the Sixers a genuine floor-spacing threat that opens the court for Embiid in the post.
Jaylen Brown — The Defensive Disruptor Celtics Fans Undervalue
Jaylen Brown doesn’t always get the headlines — that’s Tatum’s territory — but when you look at the 76ers vs Celtics player stats in detail, Brown’s contributions stand out clearly. He’s averaged 22.6 points and 6.4 rebounds against Philadelphia in recent playoff appearances and is often tasked with guarding the Sixers’ most dangerous wing scorer.
Jaylen Brown vs 76ers — Playoff Performance Highlights
| Season/Round | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 R2 (7 games) | 22.6 | 6.4 | 3.1 | 43.7% |
| 2018 R2 | 18.2 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 41.5% |
| Regular Season Avg (last 3 yrs) | 24.1 | 5.9 | 3.5 | 46.2% |
Brown is a matchup problem specifically because he can attack in isolation, knock down mid-range jumpers, and play physically on defense. Against a Paul George or a Tobias Harris, he applies constant pressure that limits their effectiveness. In the 2023 series, George shot just 38.5% from the field — partially because Brown made his life miserable on every possession.
Al Horford — The Veteran Who Solved Embiid (Sort of)
No player in this rivalry is more fascinating than Al Horford. At 37 years old, Horford has done something very few big men have managed in the modern NBA: he found a way to make Joel Embiid’s life uncomfortable without matching him physically.
Horford doesn’t try to out-muscle Embiid. Instead, he stays disciplined in his positioning, takes charges, forces Embiid to work for his spots, and trusts Boston’s help defense to fill gaps. The result is that even when Embiid goes for 40, the team defense suffocates the Sixers’ supporting cast enough to win the game.
In the 2023 playoff series, Horford averaged 12.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists — modest stats that don’t tell the full story. His defensive plus/minus against Embiid specifically was among the best in that playoff run. He gave up buckets — you can’t fully stop Embiid — but he controlled the damage.
Paul George’s 76ers Debut Season vs Celtics
Paul George joined Philadelphia ahead of the 2024–25 season after spending several years with the Clippers. His first matchups against Boston as a Sixer were highly anticipated, mostly because PG-13 has a historically complicated relationship with big moments. His shooting slumps in past playoffs earned him the unfair but persistent nickname “Playoff P.”
Paul George Regular Season vs Celtics (2024–25)
| Stat Category | Per Game Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 17.9 |
| Rebounds | 5.1 |
| Assists | 4.4 |
| Steals | 1.3 |
| Three-Point % | 37.8% |
| Field Goal % | 44.6% |
His numbers are solid — not explosive, but consistent. Against Boston specifically, George provides the Sixers with a legitimate third scorer who can attack from the perimeter, play-make in the mid-range, and guard multiple positions. The 1.3 steals per game is particularly useful against the Celtics’ ball movement-heavy offense.
Jrue Holiday — The Defensive Anchor Boston Added
When Boston acquired Jrue Holiday from Milwaukee ahead of the 2023–24 season, it solved a long-standing problem for the Celtics: elite perimeter defense. Holiday immediately became one of the most important players in the 76ers vs Celtics matchup because his job is to make Maxey’s life miserable on the ball.
Holiday’s defensive impact against Philadelphia isn’t always visible in a box score, but it shows up in opponent field goal percentages and turnover rates. When Holiday is healthy and guarding the Sixers’ primary ball handler, Philadelphia’s offense becomes notably more difficult to run.
Jrue Holiday — Defensive Stats (vs PHI Regular Season 2024–25)
| Stat Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Steals Per Game | 1.6 |
| Deflections Per Game | 3.2 |
| Opponent FG% (On-Ball) | 38.9% |
| Points Per Game | 13.4 |
| Assists Per Game | 4.8 |
Head-to-Head Team Stats — Recent Matchup Breakdown
Beyond individual performances, understanding how these teams perform collectively reveals the deeper tactical narrative of this rivalry.
76ers vs Celtics — Team Comparison (2024–25 Regular Season Meetings)
| Stat Category | Philadelphia 76ers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Average Points Scored | 109.4 | 118.7 |
| Field Goal % | 46.1% | 49.3% |
| Three-Point Attempts | 31.2 | 42.8 |
| Three-Point % | 35.8% | 38.4% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 44.1 | 45.6 |
| Assists Per Game | 24.6 | 28.3 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 14.8 | 12.1 |
| Defensive Rating | 114.2 | 108.6 |
Boston’s superior three-point volume and efficiency is the single biggest team-level advantage in this rivalry right now. The Celtics averaged nearly 11 more three-point attempts per game against Philadelphia than the Sixers shot against them — and made them at a higher rate. That’s essentially free points that Philadelphia has no equivalent answer for unless Maxey and George are both running hot simultaneously.
The Historical Context — Why This Rivalry Runs Deeper Than Stats
The 76ers and Celtics have been fighting over Eastern Conference supremacy for over six decades. This isn’t a rivalry that was manufactured by a hot take TV show — it’s baked into the history of the sport itself.
Bill Russell vs Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960s was the original blueprint — two transcendent big men, two powerhouse franchises, one division. Russell’s Celtics won most of those battles, but Chamberlain’s individual stats were often superior, creating the same kind of “dominating stats, losing results” tension that Embiid faces now.
In the 1980s, Julius Erving’s Sixers and Larry Bird’s Celtics took the rivalry to new heights, producing some of the most competitive playoff basketball in NBA history. The 1981 and 1982 Eastern Conference Finals were genuinely brutal, physical series that shaped what playoff basketball meant in that era.
Fast forward to today, and the core tension remains identical: Philadelphia produces dominant individual performances, Boston produces dominant team results. Whether that dynamic shifts depends largely on whether the Sixers can keep Embiid healthy through an entire playoff run and surround him with enough complementary weapons.
Key Matchup to Watch Going Forward
The individual duel that will define this rivalry in the coming seasons is almost certainly Jayson Tatum vs Joel Embiid — but not in the traditional sense of one guarding the other. It’s more of a battle of impact: which player elevates his team more when it counts?
Embiid’s raw numbers will almost always be superior. His size, skill, and footwork are generational. But Tatum has consistently shown he understands what winning basketball looks like, and his willingness to defer, create for teammates, and find the right play in crunch time has given Boston an edge that pure stats don’t capture easily.
If the Sixers can get Paul George playing at peak efficiency and keep Embiid on the floor for full playoff series — two massive “ifs” — this rivalry could finally tilt Philadelphia’s way.
Frequently Asked Questions About 76ers vs Celtics Player Stats
Q: Who leads the 76ers vs Celtics all-time head-to-head series?
The Boston Celtics lead the all-time regular season series against the Philadelphia 76ers by a significant margin, with over 160 wins in head-to-head matchups. They’ve also won the majority of their playoff series meetings historically.
Q: What are Joel Embiid’s stats against the Boston Celtics in playoffs?
In the 2023 NBA Playoffs Second Round, Embiid averaged approximately 33.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game against Boston — elite numbers, yet the Sixers lost the series 4-3. His most memorable single game was a 52-point, 13-rebound effort in Game 3.
Q: How has Jayson Tatum performed against Philadelphia in the playoffs?
Tatum has averaged around 26.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game against Philadelphia in playoff matchups, with a +7.4 plus/minus, indicating Boston has generally outperformed during his minutes.
Q: Who is the best defender in the 76ers vs Celtics matchup?
Jrue Holiday has been the most impactful on-ball defender, particularly against Tyrese Maxey. His combination of length, anticipation, and physical engagement makes him one of the league’s best options against quicker guards. Al Horford’s veteran positioning has also been crucial against Embiid.
Q: How does Tyrese Maxey perform against the Celtics?
Maxey has averaged roughly 24.8 points, 6.2 assists, and a 39.1% three-point shooting clip against Boston in recent matchups. His pace and ability to attack the paint before Boston’s defense sets has been Philadelphia’s most effective offensive counter to Boston’s switching system.
Q: When was the last time the 76ers beat the Celtics in the playoffs?
The Sixers last defeated the Celtics in a playoff series during the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals, en route to their 1983 NBA Championship run. More recently, individual game wins within series have occurred, but Boston has won each playoff series between the two teams since then.
Q: Why do the Celtics have a defensive advantage over the Sixers?
Boston’s success defensively against Philadelphia comes from their switching-heavy scheme, which prevents easy post entries to Embiid, combined with long, athletic wings who can guard multiple positions. Their ability to make the Sixers’ role players uncomfortable offensively is often the deciding factor.
Q: Is Paul George’s addition to the Sixers enough to beat Boston?
George adds a versatile scorer and defender the Sixers genuinely needed. However, the gap between these teams isn’t just about one player — it’s about depth, three-point shooting volume, and health. George helps, but Philadelphia likely needs Embiid for a full postseason run to seriously challenge Boston’s current championship-caliber roster.
Final Thoughts
The 76ers vs Celtics player stats conversation is never simple, and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. You’ve got Embiid putting up historic individual numbers in a losing effort. You’ve got Tatum making winning plays that don’t always jump off a box score. You’ve got Maxey growing into a genuine star, Brown becoming one of the league’s most complete wings, and veterans like Horford and Holiday shaping outcomes in ways that advanced metrics only partially capture.
This rivalry rewards viewers who pay attention to the details — the defensive rotations, the shot quality, the lineup combinations. The raw stat lines tell part of the story, but the full picture is richer, more dramatic, and far more entertaining than any single number can convey.
Both franchises are built to compete at the highest level right now. When they meet, it’s never just a basketball game — it’s a referendum on what winning actually looks like in the modern NBA.
