Tatum, Brown Set for First Matchup as NBA Opponents

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are set to face each other for the first time as NBA opponents when Philadelphia hosts Boston, after Brown was traded to the 76ers for Paul George and draft picks. The former teammates spent nine seasons together, won the 2024 championship and helped Boston reach multiple NBA Finals. Brown says they have not spoken since the trade and do not plan to meet before tipoff; he has described his departure as business and said he wants to build with his new team. Public exchanges—including Brown’s comments about Tatum’s PR team and his “lamb chops” joke—have added intrigue, while Tatum has denied animosity and called the matchup another game on the schedule.