The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for another playoff series, renewing a rivalry rich with history. This series has featured basketball legends across eight decades, from Bill Russell versus Wilt Chamberlain to Larry Bird versus Julius Erving and Paul Pierce versus Allen Iverson.
Key Players to Watch
Jaylen Brown is a key player for the second-seeded Celtics. Jayson Tatum is returning from a torn Achilles. Tyrese Maxey has been leading the underdog Sixers. Rookie VJ Edgecombe is showing promise. Joel Embiid is trying to return in time after an appendectomy.
Celtics’ Strong Regular Season
After a rocky start to 2025-26, the Celtics finished the regular season with a 56-26 record. They had top-five ratings on both sides of the court. This marks their fifth consecutive season with at least 50 wins. After the All-Star break, they went 21-7.
The Celtics finished as one of the game’s most intimidating teams. They ranked second in offensive rating, fourth in defensive rating, third in rebounding percentage and third in turnover percentage.
Brown posted career-best marks of 28.7 points and 5.1 assists per game. Tatum returned on March 6. He had 32 points in a late-March return. He looked to have his swagger back by early April.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard bring championship mettle from the backcourt. Sam Hauser hit 39.3 percent of his treys this season. Neemias Queta emerged as a glass-cleaner, averaging three offensive rebounds per game. He also had 13 games with at least three blocks. Boston added Nikola Vučević at the trade deadline.
76ers’ Challenges and Embiid’s Status
Embiid’s emergency surgery is the latest playoff setback. The Embiid-led 76ers previously lost to Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 shot. The 2021 team collapsed. The Sixers lost a series of painful finishes to the New York Knicks in 2024. Without Embiid on the court, Philly seems lined up for an early exit.
Mazzulla’s Coaching Record
Joe Mazzulla has won at least one playoff series in each of his first three coaching campaigns. He’s favoured to do so once again.
Broadcast Information
- ABC and NBC are free over the air.
- ABC is also available with an ESPN Unlimited subscription.
The series promises to add another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between these two franchises.