Sixers and Celtics Set for Playoff Clash

Historic NBA rivals to meet in first round of postseason

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:24am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of red, white, blue, and green.The historic Sixers-Celtics rivalry will be renewed in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, providing basketball fans with another chapter in one of the sport's greatest postseason matchups.Today in Orlando

The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics will face off in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs after the Sixers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-97 last night, securing their spot in the postseason. This matchup between the two historic rivals is sure to be an exciting one, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of classic battles between legends like Larry Bird and Dr. J.

Why it matters

The Sixers-Celtics rivalry is one of the most storied in NBA history, with the two teams meeting in the playoffs numerous times over the decades. Their latest clash will be must-see TV for basketball fans, as the two teams battle it out for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

The details

The Sixers clinched their playoff berth with a 109-97 victory over the Orlando Magic last night. This sets up a first-round matchup between Philadelphia and their longtime rivals, the Boston Celtics. The two teams have met in the playoffs 22 times, with the Celtics holding a 14-8 advantage. Their most recent postseason clash came in 2018, when the Celtics defeated the Sixers in five games.

  • The Sixers defeated the Magic on April 15, 2026 to secure their playoff spot.
  • The Sixers-Celtics first-round playoff series will begin on April 20, 2026.

The players

Philadelphia 76ers

An NBA franchise based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that has a long and storied history, including several NBA championships.

Boston Celtics

An NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts that is one of the most successful and iconic teams in league history, with 17 NBA titles.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a classic playoff matchup between two of the NBA's most historic franchises. The Sixers and Celtics have had some epic battles over the years, and I'm sure this one will be no different.”

— Charles Barkley, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The Sixers and Celtics will begin their first-round playoff series on April 20, 2026. Game 1 will be played in Boston, with the series then shifting to Philadelphia for Game 3.

The takeaway

The Sixers-Celtics playoff matchup is a testament to the enduring rivalries and traditions of the NBA. Even as the league continues to evolve, these two storied franchises will renew their battle for playoff supremacy, providing basketball fans with another chapter in one of the sport's greatest rivalries.