Celtics Await First-Round Playoff Opponent After Clinching No. 2 Seed

Three teams remain in contention for the 7th and 8th seeds in the East, with the Celtics set to face the winner of the play-in game.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with overlapping planes of green, blue, and orange shapes representing the action on the court.The Celtics await their first-round opponent, with the play-in game set to determine whether they'll face the Magic, 76ers or Raptors in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics have locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, but their first-round playoff opponent is still to be determined. The Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors are all in contention for the 7th and 8th seeds, with the winner of the play-in game set to face the Celtics next weekend. The Celtics previously faced the Magic in last year's opening-round series, while the 76ers have struggled against top teams since February.

Why it matters

The Celtics' first-round matchup will have a significant impact on their path to the NBA Finals. They'll be looking to avenge last year's physical series against the Magic, while the 76ers present a tougher challenge if Joel Embiid is able to return from his recent surgery. The play-in game on Tuesday will determine which team the Celtics will face as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Magic currently sit in the 7th spot, and they'll need to beat the Celtics on Sunday and have the Raptors lose to the Nets to secure an automatic playoff berth. The 76ers, in 8th place, would need to beat the Bucks and have the Magic and Raptors both lose to jump out of the play-in. The Raptors control their own destiny - a win over the Nets would lock them into at least the 6th seed. The Celtics won two of their three matchups with the 76ers earlier this season, while the Magic-Celtics series last year was a physical affair.

  • The 7 vs. 8 play-in game will be played on Tuesday, April 15th at 7:30 PM ET.
  • The Celtics' first-round playoff series will tip off next weekend at TD Garden, with the exact date to be determined.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward, who missed a game in last year's playoff series against the Magic due to a sprained wrist.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' former NBA MVP center, who underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis this week and whose availability for the playoffs is unclear.

Desmond Bane

The Magic's star player, who they acquired in a blockbuster trade but have not seen the leap many expected this season.

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What they’re saying

“I think you sit back and you have an appreciation of the work we put in and the growth we've made this year to get to this point and the honor of reaching a top seed, when many people didn't believe in that.”

— Payton Pritchard, Celtics guard

What’s next

The Celtics will have at least five days off before their first-round playoff series tips off next weekend at TD Garden. The 7 vs. 8 play-in game on Tuesday will determine their opponent.

The takeaway

The Celtics have secured a top-2 seed in the East, but their first-round matchup remains uncertain. They'll be looking to avenge last year's physical series against the Magic or take on a 76ers team that has struggled against top competition since February. Whichever opponent emerges from the play-in game, the Celtics will be heavily favored to advance and make a deep playoff run.