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

The Celtics will host the winner of the 76ers-Magic play-in game on April 19.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of basketball players and court lines in shades of green, blue, and gold, representing the competitive energy of the upcoming NBA playoffs.The Celtics' first-round playoff matchup will be determined by a high-stakes play-in game, setting the stage for an intense start to the postseason.Boston Today

The NBA has announced the schedule for the upcoming NBA Play-In Tournament and the start of the Boston Celtics' first-round playoff series. The Celtics will host the winner of the 76ers-Magic play-in game on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. on ABC. The full first-round schedule has not been released yet, but all NBA playoff games this year will be nationally televised.

Why it matters

The Celtics are heading into the playoffs as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, looking to make a deep postseason run. The play-in game between the 76ers and Magic will determine their first-round opponent, setting the stage for an exciting start to the Celtics' playoff campaign.

The details

The 76ers will host the Magic on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime, with the winner advancing to face the Celtics in the first round. The Magic had a chance to host that game as the seventh seed, but the Sixers won while the Magic lost to the Celtics, pulling Philadelphia ahead. The loser of the 76ers-Magic game will have another chance to keep their season alive by taking on the winner of the 9/10 matchup between the Heat and Hornets.

  • The 76ers will host the Magic on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Celtics will host the winner of the 76ers-Magic game on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A star player for the Orlando Magic who expressed frustration after their loss to the Celtics, which cost them the 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, Orlando Magic player

“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, Boston Celtics player

What’s next

The full first-round playoff schedule between the Celtics and their opponent will be released later this week.

The takeaway

The Celtics are entering the playoffs as one of the top teams in the East, and their first-round matchup against the winner of the 76ers-Magic play-in game will be a crucial early test as they look to make a deep postseason run.