Will the runners-up start with a loss?

The wait is over! The 77th season of the NBA starts and the opener comes with a bang. The runner-up from Boston receives the renewed contender from Philadelphia.

Shortly before the start of the season, the home side had to make some changes in terms of personnel. Successful coach Ime Udoka had to take his hat off for the time being due to a breach of internal regulations in the form of a relationship with an employee of the Boston franchise.

His place will now be taken by former assistant coach Joe Mazzulla. For the exciting game at TD Garden on 10/19/2022 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, here’s the tip to watch!

Boston Celtics – Statistics & current form

Boston’s new head coach Joe Mazzulla is now acting in this role in the NBA for the first time. Previously, he only worked in Boston as an assistant coach in the league. His experience is therefore limited and the unexpected coaching change is undoubtedly a setback for the hosts. Especially in view of the fact that Udoka was able to lead the team to the finals in his first year in Boston.

His didactic quality is unquestionable, and last season he was the only coach in the Eastern Conference to win the “Coach of the Month” award twice.

Whether he will work for the Celtics again is still unclear. Officially, Udoka is only suspended for the time being, but as of today, this measure applies for the entire upcoming season.

The 17-time champions also presented a mixed performance in preparation. Two wins against Charlotte and two losses against Toronto can be discovered. Furthermore, the front office was quite busy in the off-season. Among others, David Gallinari was signed. The Italian power forward played in Atlanta last season and then ended up with the San Antonio Spurs in Texas, who apparently saw him as just an annoying part of a bigger trade with the Hawks and quickly sent him out the door again.

Boston apparently has more confidence in the 34-year-old, as he received a two-year contract. Currently, however, he has to miss time due to an injury.

All eyes are on the debut of “The President “

But the king transfer was again the signing of Malcolm Brogdon. The combo guard and 2017 Rookie of the Year came from the Indiana Pacers.

The Celtics traded him for as many as five of their own players, including German Daniel Theis, as well as another first-round pick for next year.

Brogdon consistently averaged around 20 points per game over the past two seasons, which is why the record-breaking champions, along with the Lakers, brought plenty of shooting power to Massachusetts with him.

Philadelphia 76ers – Statistics & current form

The Sixers are taking another run at the championship this season. With Joel Embiid they have one of the best centres in their ranks, who also found himself among the last three candidates in the MVP election last season.

In addition, he delivered the best average scoring output of all players in the NBA regular season with 30.6 points.

However, the rest of the Philly squad has failed to live up to Pennsylvania’s high standards in recent years, and a synonym for that has been the endless saga surrounding Ben Simmons.

However, after his departure to the Nets, things should be quieter in Philadelphia in terms of personnel by now. Also, Coach Doc Rivers recently got another update for his team with Montrezl Harrell.

The power forward was voted “Sixth Man of the Year” in 2020 and can provide powerful relief for Joel Embiid as a centre or power forward at these positions for the three-time champions.

Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers Tip

For the clash between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on 19 October, the forecast includes an away win, including a +3.5 point handicap for the visitors.

The guests have already presented themselves in a good early form in the preparation with victories in the four pre-season games. Among others, the newly formed Cavaliers, who signed top player Donovan Mitchell in the off-season, could be defeated twice.

Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the debut of new inexperienced coach Joe Mazzulla will go on the home side. In addition, the squad has changed considerably compared to the opponents and the newly assembled team will probably need some time to adjust.

On top of that, the hosts are missing an efficient centre in Robert Williams III, who was voted to the “NBA All-Defensive Second Team” last season.