NBA Play-In, Boston Celtics Playoffs Game 1 Schedule Announced

The Celtics will host their first-round playoff opener on April 19 at 1 p.m. on ABC.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:44am

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The NBA announced the schedule for the upcoming play-in tournament and first round of the playoffs, including the Boston Celtics' Game 1 matchup on April 19. The Celtics will host either the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic, who will face off in a play-in game on April 15.

Why it matters

As one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics' playoff run is highly anticipated by fans. The team is looking to build on its success from the regular season and make a deep postseason push.

The details

The Celtics will tip off their first-round playoff series at home on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the play-in game between the 76ers and Magic on April 15. The winner of that game will travel to Boston for the series opener, which will air nationally on ABC.

  • The 76ers will host the Magic on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime.
  • The Celtics will play their first playoff game on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. on ABC.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A star player for the Orlando Magic who expressed frustration after the team's loss to the Celtics, which cost them a chance to host the play-in game.

Baylor Scheierman

A Celtics player who scored a career-high 30 points in the team's regular season finale against the Magic.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know, this was a must win game, at least I thought. I just think we didn't come out with no urgency. It's frustrating, honestly.”

— Paolo Banchero

“We're proud of the effort we put out there. I think going into the game we were expecting to go out there and compete and win the game. I know I know going into the game, that was our expectation, and we're excited that we won. And honestly, just getting ready for the playoffs now.”

— Baylor Scheierman, Celtics player

What’s next

The full first-round playoff schedule will be released later this week.

The takeaway

The Celtics are entering the playoffs as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, and their first-round matchup against either the 76ers or Magic will be a key early test in their quest for an NBA championship.