Boston Celtics First Round Playoff Schedule Announced

Dates, times, and TV channels set for Celtics' first-round playoff series

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court and players, rendered in the bold colors of the Boston Celtics and their playoff opponent, capturing the intensity and unpredictability of the upcoming first-round series.The Celtics' first-round playoff matchup will be a test of their championship mettle, with the opponent's style posing unique challenges.Boston Today

The NBA has announced the schedule for the Boston Celtics' first-round playoff series, with the Celtics awaiting the winner of the 7/8 play-in game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic. The series will begin on Sunday, April 19 in Boston, with the later games in the series still to be determined.

Why it matters

The Celtics are looking to make a deep playoff run after winning at least 56 games in each of the last three seasons under head coach Joe Mazzulla. Their first-round opponent will be either the 76ers or the Magic, two teams with very different styles that could present unique challenges for the Celtics.

The details

The first-round playoff schedule for the Celtics is as follows:Game 1: Sunday, April 19 at Boston, 1 p.m. (ABC)Game 2: Tuesday, April 21 at Boston, 7 p.m. (Peacock)Game 3: Friday, April 24 at 7th seed, 7 p.m. (Amazon Prime)Game 4: Sunday, April 26 at 7th seed, 7 p.m. (NBC)Game 5: Tuesday, April 28 at Boston, TBD (TBD)*Game 6: Thursday, April 30 at 7th seed, TBD (TBD)*Game 7: Saturday, May 2 at Boston, TBD (TBD)**If Necessary

  • The 7/8 play-in game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic will be played on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime.
  • The Celtics will return to practice on Wednesday, April 17 to begin preparations for their first-round series.

The players

Paolo Banchero

Star player for the Orlando Magic.

Joel Embiid

All-Star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who recently underwent an appendectomy.

Paul George

Star player for the Philadelphia 76ers who returned from a suspension for using a banned substance in the final 10 games of the regular season.

Joe Mazzulla

Head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has led the team to at least 56 wins in each of the last three seasons.

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What they’re saying

“I just think we didn't come out with no urgency. It's frustrating, honestly. I think we just let them back in the game and they got guys out there that can play. They got going and the crowd got going.”

— Paolo Banchero, Star player, Orlando Magic

What’s next

The winner of the 7/8 play-in game between the 76ers and Magic will be determined on Wednesday, April 17. The Celtics will then face that opponent in the first round of the playoffs, with the series beginning on Sunday, April 19 in Boston.

The takeaway

The Celtics enter the playoffs as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, having won at least 56 games in each of the last three seasons. Their first-round opponent will be either the 76ers or the Magic, two teams with very different styles that could present unique challenges for the Celtics as they look to make a deep playoff run.