Jaylen Brown makes his first career appearance against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, squaring off with his former team for the primary time since leaving the franchise.
The matchup marks the opening regular-season meeting between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics following the 2026 NBA playoffs. It also places Brown on the opposite side of a rivalry after spending 10 seasons with Boston before an offseason trade that sent him to the Sixers.
“I’m a little afraid of how good he’s going to be tonight”@Scalabrine tells @TheFrankIsola Jaylen Brown may have a big performance in store for tonight’s game against Boston. Listen to Celtics vs. 76ers tonight at 8pm ET on NBA Radio! pic.twitter.com/w1lR0nn7jZ
Anticipation has built across the league as Tuesday’s opening tip approaches. Former Celtics player Brian Scalabrine admitted during a recent broadcast appearance that he feels apprehension watching Brown prepare to face his former organization in South Philadelphia.
“When Jaylen Brown is focused, it’s a thing of beauty,” Scalabrine said. “He’s in elite condition—he can lock you up defensively and give you 50 points. It makes me a little scared of how well he can play tonight.”
Brown’s transition to Philadelphia surprised many analysts who anticipated a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason.
Through his first 10 appearances with Philadelphia, Brown has shot 47.7 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from beyond the arc. He enters Tuesday’s contest averaging 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest.
With a deep starting lineup surrounding him, Brown has not shouldered the entire offensive burden every night. Even so, Boston remains well aware of his capabilities.
“I think Boston will win,” Scalabrine said regarding the matchup. “I think their youth and depth will carry them through, but I also think Jaylen Brown is going to play well tonight.”
