NBA London 2018: Boston Celtics will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the annual game at the O2 Arena in January
A host of big-names including Isaiah Thomas, Gordon Hayward and Joel Embiid are set to strut their stuff in London
THE NBA have announced the Boston Celtics will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the annual game in London in January 2018.
The 2018 game is set to be one of the biggest to ever come to London with both the Celtics and 76ers having a wealth of talent on their rosters.
The Celtics, the NBA’s most successful franchise with 17 Championships, come into this season having finished top of the Eastern Conference last season.
They have a host of star names who will be on display at the O2 Arena, including NBA All-Stars Isaiah Thomas, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford.
The 76ers meanwhile boast one of the best young teams in the league and will bring a pile of former No1 picks; Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
The game will take place on January 11, 2018 - after the great success of the Indiana Pacers-Denver Nuggets showdown this year.
On the game, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan claimed: “I am delighted the NBA continues to bring the world’s best basketball to our great city in what has now become a well-established and eagerly anticipated event on London’s sporting calendar.
"I know Londoners will be thrilled to see the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics up close at our world-famous O2.
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"I am determined to make sure London remains the sporting capital of the world, and a key part of that is bringing major sports events here.
"It is also important that those major events provide important community benefits, which the NBA does so well.
"I look forward to welcoming visitors from the UK, Europe and across the globe and showing once again that London is open.”
Meanwhile NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: “This will be our 16th game in London where our events have become an annual opportunity for basketball fans across Europe to come together and share their passion for the NBA.”
Tickets for the showdown will go on sale in October 2017 - with the game also set to be broadcast on BT Sport.
*The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Boston Celtics at The O2 on January 11.
To sign up for early access to tickets, exclusive offers and the latest team news, please visit www.NBA.com/London
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