Jaylen Brown faces emotional Celtics reunion in NBA preseason rematch vs. 76ers

Jaylen Brown will step onto the court in Boston on Thursday night for the first time since leaving the Celtics, facing the team that drafted him in a preseason matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

What’s happening in this preseason game?

The Boston Celtics open their 2026 preseason schedule on the road at the Wells Fargo Center against the Philadelphia 76ers on 21 July. Jaylen Brown, who spent his first seven NBA seasons in Boston before being traded to Philadelphia in the offseason, is the centerpiece of the matchup. The game marks his first return to TD Garden as an opponent, a moment that could carry extra weight given the emotions tied to his departure.

Why this game matters for Jaylen Brown

For Brown, the night is more than just basketball. After seven years in green, he now wears the 76ers’ red and blue. The preseason rematch gives him a chance to face the team that drafted him, the city that shaped his early career, and the fans who once cheered him on. The game could also preview what’s to come if both teams meet again in the 2026 playoffs.

What to watch beyond Jaylen Brown

Beyond Brown’s return, the 76ers will look to build chemistry early. Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, is expected to play limited minutes as Philadelphia tests its depth. Boston, meanwhile, will use the game to evaluate new additions and gauge how the roster fits together under Joe Mazzulla. The Celtics enter the preseason with high expectations after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2026.

Could this set up a playoff rematch?

The NBA schedule hasn’t been released yet, but a potential first-round matchup between Boston and Philadelphia feels inevitable. The two teams split a tight series in the 2026 playoffs, with Brown’s former teammates pushing back against his new squad. If they meet again, this preseason game could serve as an early statement. For Brown, it’s a chance to show he belongs in Philadelphia-and to prove he can still deliver against the team he once called home.