Reports: Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers to take part in NBA London 2018

By Luke Hatfield on July 13, 2017@luke_hatfield

Boston and Philadelphia are set to head to London (Photo: Keith Allison)

Reports have emerged revealing that Eastern conference rivals Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are to be the teams to head to the O2 Arena at NBA London 2018 this season.

According to league sources, NBA London will go ahead on January 11th at the O2 Arena, with the Joel Embiid-led 76ers ‘hosting’ the Celtics.

The news will bring joy to numerous UK and European NBA fans, bringing a legitimate rivalry – and two potential playoff teams to British shores, along with star-calibre players.

The match-up would also pit two of the year’s biggest prospects in Markelle Fultz and Jayson Tatum against one-another.

As in previous years, the game will be held as a regular season match-up, with it also acting as a home game for the 76ers.

It will be the second time each team travels to the UK, with the Celtics heading to the country in 2007 in a 92-81 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Philadelphia travelled to Manchester in 2013, losing 103-99 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Manchester hasn’t held an NBA game since, following lower attendance compared to the annual event in London.

The NBA is yet to confirm any news regarding NBA London 2018 – although confirmation is likely to be announced in the near future.