AMHERST, Mass. – Former Bradley center Patrick O’Bryant was impressive in his debut with the world champion Boston Celtics Wednesday, turning in 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots as the starting center in the preseason opener against Philadelphia.  After O’Bryant helped the Celtics to a quick start, Philadelphia fought back for a 98-92 at win at the Mullins Center on the campus of the University of Massachusetts. 

The ninth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by Golden State, O’Bryant signed with the Celtics during the offseason and reports out of Boston’s training camp are that he has been impressive.  In Wednesday’s exhibition, O’Bryant hit 4-of-6 field goal attempts and both of his free throw attempts in 24 minutes.  His first basket, a hook shot after rebounding his own miss, gave Boston a 9-0 lead 2-minutes, 30-seconds into the game and he had added three rebounds and a blocked shot by the time he subbed out midway through the first quarter with the Celtics leading 19-11.

In other NBA preseason action Tuesday, Anthony Parker’s Toronto Raptors improved to 2-0 by pulling out a 113-111 home win against the New York Knicks.  Preparing for his third year with the Raptors, Parker was one of seven Toronto players to score in double-figures by chipping in 10 points and three rebounds.  The 1996 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year for the Braves, Parker hit 4-of-5 field goal attempts, including both of his 3-point tries.

The Celtics will play their second preseason game Friday by hosting Cleveland at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I.  Meanwhile, the Raptors will not return to action until Tuesday when they host CSKA Moscow at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.