Celtics Host Shorthanded 76ers in Atlantic Division Battle

Boston looks to extend lead over Philadelphia in the standings with Tatum still sidelined

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:31am

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The Boston Celtics (39-20) host the Philadelphia 76ers (33-26) in a key Atlantic Division matchup on Sunday night. The Celtics will be without star forward Jayson Tatum, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles, but they are coming off an historic 148-111 rout of the Brooklyn Nets. The 76ers will also be shorthanded, as MVP candidate Joel Embiid has been ruled out with an oblique injury. Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers have won three straight to pull within one game of the fifth-place Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

This game has major implications in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference playoff race. The Celtics currently hold the second seed in the East, while the 76ers sit in sixth place. A Celtics win would extend their lead over the 76ers and put them in a stronger position to secure home-court advantage in the postseason. For the 76ers, a victory would pull them closer to the Celtics and other top teams in the conference.

The details

The Celtics have won five of their last six games, including an historic 148-111 rout of the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Boston shot an incredible 80.8% from the field and 64.7% from three-point range in that game. Meanwhile, the 76ers have won three straight to climb within one game of the fifth-place Toronto Raptors. Tyrese Maxey has been leading the way for Philadelphia, averaging 29 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game against the Celtics this season.

  • The Celtics and 76ers have already played three times this season, with Philadelphia winning two of the three matchups.
  • The last time these teams met was on November 11th.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' All-NBA caliber point guard who has been leading the team's recent surge.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star shooting guard who has been averaging 27 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game over his last 8 contests.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' MVP candidate center who has been ruled out of Sunday's game due to an oblique injury.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' All-NBA forward who is still recovering from a torn Achilles and will not play in this game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.