Celtics to Face 76ers at TD Garden as Boston Awaits Tatum's Return

Matchup details for Sunday's 76ers vs. Celtics game at 8 p.m. EST, plus key performers and recent trends.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The Boston Celtics (39-20, 2nd in Eastern Conference) will host the Philadelphia 76ers (33-26, 6th in Eastern Conference) at TD Garden on Sunday at 8 p.m. EST. The Celtics will be without star forward Jayson Tatum, who is out with an Achilles injury. The 76ers are looking to extend their three-game win streak, while the Celtics aim to maintain their strong home record in division play.

Why it matters

This matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will provide an early playoff preview, as the 76ers and Celtics are likely to meet in the postseason. The Celtics' ability to win without Tatum could be a key factor in their championship aspirations this season.

The details

The Celtics score 115.0 points per game and have outscored opponents by 7.5 points per game this season. The 76ers average 115.9 points allowed per game and have a 6-8 record in one-possession games. The teams have met three times already this season, with the 76ers winning the last matchup 102-100 on Nov. 12.

  • The game will tip off at 8 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer, averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.

Payton Pritchard

The Celtics' starting point guard, averaging 19.8 points and 5.8 assists over the last 10 games.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center, averaging 26.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' starting point guard, averaging 28.5 points and 3.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to face a tough Celtics team, even without Tatum. They have other great players who can step up.”

— Joel Embiid, 76ers Center (nbcboston.com)

“This is a big game for us to prove we can win on the road against a top Eastern Conference opponent.”

— Tyrese Maxey, 76ers Guard (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain an important tiebreaker and momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Celtics and 76ers showcases two of the Eastern Conference's elite teams and will provide valuable insight into their potential playoff matchup. The Celtics' ability to win without Tatum could be a key factor in their championship aspirations this season.