Celtics Face 76ers: A Rivalry Renewed in the 2026 NBA Playoffs

Celtics and 76ers: A Historical Rivalry

Three days have passed since the culmination of the NBA regular season, and anticipation hangs heavy in the air. Finally, the Boston Celtics have learned their first-round adversaries for the Eastern Conference playoffs: the Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a victory over a spiraling Orlando Magic team to secure the seventh seed.

A Look Back at Their Rivalry

This meeting marks yet another chapter in a rich history of clashes between these two franchises, whose rivalry spans decades. Historically, the Celtics hold an edge, winning a remarkable 15 of their 22 postseason series against the 76ers, including the last six matchups. Their most recent playoff encounter was particularly thrilling, going the distance in a dramatic seven-game series during the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Celtics emerged victorious but fell short against the Miami Heat in seven games during the Eastern Conference Finals.

“CELTICS VS. 76ERS IN ROUND ONE 🍿”
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA)

The Season Series and Key Players

This season, the teams squared off four times, splitting the series 2-2. However, it's important to note that each of those games occurred prior to the return of star forward Jayson Tatum from his Achilles injury. Tatum's return is a game-changer and could significantly impact the Celtics' performance moving forward.

On the other side of the court, the 76ers face uncertainty surrounding their own star player, Joel Embiid, who is currently recovering from an appendectomy with no set timeline for his return to play. If Embiid remains sidelined, the Celtics' path could be considerably easier in this first-round showdown.

Home-Court Advantage

As the number two seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics hold home-court advantage, set to host the first two games of the series at the TD Garden on April 19 and 21. If necessary, the series will shift to the Wells Fargo Center for Games 3 and 4, before returning to Boston for Game 6.

The Celtics enter the series with a rest advantage, as they made the strategic decision to sit their starters during the regular season finale, allowing them to gear up for a serious playoff run.

The Stakes Are High

This playoff series isn't just about passing the first hurdle; it's about pride and legacy. The intense rivalry brings with it high stakes, making every possession count. Fans know that every moment on the court will resonate with history, and both teams will battle fiercely for supremacy. The Celtics have the heart of the champion, and the spotlight is intensely focused on them. Can they advance and inspire their loyal fanbase once again?

The NBA playoffs are about to kick off, and with the Celtics taking on the 76ers, we're in for a treat! Get ready for high-octane basketball and let's see if the Celtics can turn this historic feud into yet another victory!