The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics will renew their postseason rivalry on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Philly earned the right to challenge Boston after beating the Orlando Magic 109-97 on Wednesday. With the No. 7 seed in the bag, the Sixers will open the playoffs in a familiar arena on the road.
The 76ers, who have not won a series against the Celtics since 1982, hope to end the slump against a team that has been a No. 1 or 2 seed in the East over the past five years.
The last time the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics met in the playoffs, the 76ers held a 3-2 series lead in the 2023 Eastern Conference semis before losing in seven games. Tyrese Maxey and Co. look to get over the hump this year.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Schedule
Game 1: 76ers @ Celtics | Sunday, April 19 (1 ET, ABC)
Game 2: 76ers @ Celtics | Tuesday, April 17 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Celtics @ 76ers | Friday, April 24 (7 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: Celtics @ 76ers | Sunday, April 26 (7 ET, NBC)
Game 5: 76ers @ Celtics* | Tuesday April 28
Game 6: Celtics @ 76ers* | Thursday April 30
Game 7: 76ers @ Celtics* | Saturday May 2
*= If necessary
Where to watch 76ers vs Celtics on TV and Live Stream
ABC, ESPN, and NBC will feature the series on national TV. The showdown will be on live stream via Prime Video, Peacock, the ESPN app and DIRECTV.
Head-to-Head Regular Season Results
Oct. 22: 76ers 117, Celtics 116
Oct. 31: Celtics 109, 76ers 108
Nov. 11: 76ers 102, Celtics 100
March 25: Celtics 114, 76ers 98
76ers vs Celtics Prediction
Joel Embiid might not play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. The star center had an appendectomy about a week ago in Houston. Philly led the NBA in plus-minus (plus-5.8) per 100 possessions with the former MVP on the floor. Without him, the 76ers are still formidable, but Embiid’s absence could be too much to overcome.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics surprisingly remained strong despite Jayson Tatum missing the team’s first 62 games. With Tatum back, the Celtics are peaking at just the right time. The Celtics are 13-3 when the former All-Star played.
Boston ranked No. 2 in offensive rating despite playing 90% of the season without Tatum. The Celtics’ defense has just been as impressive, ranking No. 4 in the NBA. With or without Embiid, expect the Celtics to win the series.
If Embiid plays, it’s the Celtics in six games. If the star center doesn’t play, Boston rolls to the second round in five.
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