The Boston Celtics closed the preseason with a 125-120 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night in Philadelphia. Boston trailed by 14 and won the fourth quarter 31-21 to force overtime tied at 115-115. The bench did the rest.

Boston's bench scored 77 points. Hugo Gonzalez scored 21 points off the bench on 6 of 10 shooting with 3 of 7 from three and that kind of bench line is exactly what fantasy managers should be watching before opening night. He was the spark in a game the starters nearly let go.

Philadelphia had its stars going. Joel Embiid finished with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points with 8 rebounds for Boston.

LeBron James finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in his 76ers home debut. The line was quiet and the night still belonged to Boston's second unit. A 77 point bench night travels in any month of the season.

The regular season tips Tuesday, October 20 on NBC and Peacock. Boston opens at Detroit at 3 PM ET that day. Philadelphia opens at the Knicks at 7 PM ET.

When a reserve puts up 21 points off the bench on that shooting in a preseason finale, fantasy managers should keep Hugo Gonzalez on the watch list for opening week.

Key Facts

  • Final: Celtics 125, 76ers 120 in overtime in Philadelphia
  • Bench: Boston bench scored 77 points
  • Gonzalez: 21 points off the bench on 6 of 10 shooting
  • 76ers: Embiid 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Maxey 22 points.
  • Next: Season tips Tuesday, October 20. Celtics at Pistons and 76ers at Knicks.

VIA ESPN, NBC Sports.

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