Celtics' Injury Report Deals Blow to 76ers' NBA Playoff Hopes

Boston's top players ruled out for regular season finale against Magic

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Celtics' decision to rest their stars against the Magic could reshape the NBA playoff picture in the East.Boston Today

The Philadelphia 76ers' chances of avoiding the NBA Play-In Tournament took a hit as the Boston Celtics announced several key players will sit out their regular season finale against the Orlando Magic. With the Celtics resting Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and others, the Magic have a better opportunity to pick up a win and potentially push the 76ers into the Play-In.

Why it matters

The 76ers need a combination of results to go their way on the final day of the regular season in order to secure the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference and avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Celtics' decision to rest their stars makes the Magic's path to victory easier, potentially dashing the 76ers' hopes of a more favorable playoff position.

The details

The 76ers need to beat the Milwaukee Bucks, while hoping the Toronto Raptors lose to the Brooklyn Nets and the Orlando Magic defeat the short-handed Celtics. However, the Celtics have ruled out Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta, while Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and Nikola Vucevic are all listed as doubtful. This gives the Magic, who have won 7 of their last 10 games, a better chance of picking up the victory and potentially sending the 76ers to the Play-In Tournament.

  • The 76ers and Bucks tip off at 6 PM ET on Sunday, April 12.
  • The Raptors and Nets play at the same time as the 76ers game.
  • The Celtics and Magic are scheduled for a 6 PM ET tip-off on Sunday as well.

The players

Jaylen Brown

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who has been ruled out of the regular season finale.

Jayson Tatum

All-NBA forward for the Boston Celtics who has been ruled out of the regular season finale.

Derrick White

Starting guard for the Boston Celtics who has been ruled out of the regular season finale.

Neemias Queta

Celtics center who has been ruled out of the regular season finale.

Orlando Magic

The Celtics' opponent on the final day of the regular season, who have won 7 of their last 10 games and are fighting for a playoff spot.

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What they’re saying

“Sixers certainly appear to be going to Orlando as the No. 8 seed on Tuesday for a Play-In Tournament matchup.”

— Adam Aaronson, Philly Voice

What’s next

If the 76ers are forced into the Play-In Tournament, they would face the Orlando Magic in a single-elimination game, with the winner advancing to the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The takeaway

The 76ers' path to avoiding the Play-In Tournament has become more difficult due to the Celtics' decision to rest their top players for the regular season finale. This gives the surging Magic a better chance of picking up a win, potentially sending the 76ers to the Play-In and a more challenging road to the playoffs.