But another action-packed night in the NBA begins, and on October 31st, two critical early-season clashes will share the spotlight. The evening tips off with an Eastern Conference showdown as the surprisingly unblemished Philadelphia 76ers host the Boston Celtics in an NBA Cup Group Play opener, followed by a Western Conference battle where the LA Clippers look to bounce back against the struggling, winless New Orleans Pelicans. Here is a full preview that includes the latest records, head-to-head history, team news, tactical breakdowns, and betting predictions for both games.

• Date: Friday, October 31st, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 11:00 PM UTC

• Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena

• Current Records: 76ers 4-0, Celtics 2-3

Philadelphia 76ers (4-0): One of the few undefeated teams in the East, with the second-best offense at 129.3 PPG, the league's best 3-point shooting at 41.9%, and top shot-blocking in the league, the team is 4-0 against the total points Over line.

Boston Celtics: 2-3; bad start into the season with three consecutive losses but have won their last two games for much-needed momentum.

This rivalry is very competitive, and most of the recent games have been very close.

Recent Edge: 76ers hold a current one-game win streak, having won the most recent meeting.

Trend: In their last five head-to-head games, the 76ers have scored an average of 110.8 points per game.

Philadelphia 76ers:

• Out: Paul George (Knee Surgery Recovery), Dominick Barlow (Right Elbow Laceration), Jared McCain (Thumb).

• Key Player to Watch: Tyrese Maxey, the league's top scorer averaging 37.5 PPG.

Boston Celtics:

• Out: Jayson Tatum (Achilles Tendon Tear, likely to miss most/all season).

• Key Player to Watch: Jaylen Brown (Clear No. 1 option, expected to get high volume/touches).

Philadelphia 76ers (Projected):

• PG: Tyrese Maxey

• SG: Quentin Grimes

• SF: Kelly Oubre Jr.

• PF: Justin Edwards

• C: Joel Embiid

Boston Celtics (Projected):

• PG: Payton Pritchard

• SG: Derrick White

• SF: Jaylen Brown

• PF: Anfernee Simons

• C: Neemias Queta

1. Maxey's Scoring vs. Celtics Defense: Tyrese Maxey's historic offensive start will challenge the Celtics, who allow 123.8 PPG, which is 25th in the league.

2. Brown's Volume vs. Sixers' Perimeter: Jaylen Brown has now become the clear offensive focal point and will look to test the Sixers' perimeter defense which has allowed one of the higher points-allowed averages this season.

76ers Strategy: Push the pace to maintain their league-leading scoring offense. Continue reliance on Maxey and league-best 3-point shooting percentage.

Celtics Strategy: Control tempo to limit the Sixers' transition game. Funnel offense through Jaylen Brown to generate efficient scoring to compensate for Tatum's absence.

• Date: Saturday, November 1st, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 2:30 AM UTC (November 1)

• Venue: Intuit Dome

• Current Records: Clippers 2-2, Pelicans 0-4

• LA Clippers (2-2): Have split their games, with both wins coming at home where they've averaged 121.5 PPG. They come in off a humbling road loss where they were held to just 30 second-half points.

• New Orleans Pelicans (0-4): Winless, and with bad offensive metrics, including lousy 3-point shooting.

Surprisingly enough, the Pelicans have a strong historical record against the Clippers.

Recent Edge: The Pelicans hold an 11-4 record against the Clippers over the last 15 games.

Trend: The Pelicans have been covering well against the spread with the Clippers lately (8/9 last games).

LA Clippers:

• Status Change: Bradley Beal (Back) will return after missing two games.

• Out: Kobe Sanders (Knee), Jordan Miller (Hamstring).

• Key Player to Watch: James Harden - needs to break out of his recent shooting slump.

New Orleans Pelicans:

• Doubtful: Kevon Looney (Left Knee Sprain).

• Out: Dejounte Murray (Right Achilles Rupture).

• Key Player to Watch: Zion Williamson (Vital player for offensive punch while having struggled in the last game).

LA Clippers:

• PG: James Harden

• SG: Bradley Beal

• SF: Kawhi Leonard

• PF: Derrick Jones Jr.

• C: Ivica Zubac

New Orleans Pelicans (Projected)

• PG: Trey Murphy III

• SG: Zion Williamson

• SF: DeAndre Jordan

• PF: Herbert Jones

• C: Jeremiah Fears

1. Offense of the Clippers against the home court: The Clippers cannot afford to take their 2-0 home success for granted; they must fix the "offensive lulls" and find ways to maintain a consistent score after a major road collapse.

2. Zion/Trey Murphy vs. Clippers' Perimeter Defense: The Pelicans will need Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III to attack and score efficiently if they are to snap this losing streak.

Clippers Strategy: Incorporate Bradley Beal back in and do some minute staggering with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to prevent lulls in their offense. Attack and try to push the pace, using their strong home-court numbers to their advantage.

Pelicans Strategy: The Pelicans will focus on generating efficient scoring inside the arc while improving disastrous 3-point shooting - 7/34 in last loss. They need high-volume scoring from Williamson to secure their first win.

76ers vs. Celtics: Over 234.5 Total Points. Both teams score and allow a high volume of points this season, and the 76ers are 4-0 against the over.

Clippers vs. Pelicans: Pelicans (+10.5 Spread). The Pelicans have a good recent history of covering the spread against the Clippers, and New Orleans is desperate for a win.

Boost your betting value with these exclusive offers:

• $50 Free Bonus

• 200% Deposit Bonus

• $25 & $1 Forever Bonus (Only at Stake.us)

Wager on your pick with greater bang for your bet. Bet wisely. Bet securely. Let the thrill roll on.

76ers vs. Celtics Prediction: The undefeated 76ers' high-powered offense, led by Tyrese Maxey, should be enough to edge out the shorthanded Celtics, though Boston's momentum will keep it close.

• Final Score Prediction: 76ers 119 - Celtics 118

·       Clippers vs. Pelicans Prediction: The Clippers' offensive slump should end at home with the return of Bradley Beal. Even though New Orleans is having a hard time, their recent history against the Clippers suggests that they will keep the final score close.

• Final Score Prediction: Clippers 116 - Pelicans 106

The 76ers vs. Celtics game is an early test for the Eastern Conference, with Philadelphia trying to show that their strong start can last even though they have some key injuries. The Clippers are heavy favourites to win at home and end the Pelicans' losing streak, but they need to show that they can run their offence consistently to do so.