Celtics' Derrick White Cleared to Play in Playoff Opener

The veteran guard was held out of the regular-season finale due to a knee injury.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in mid-motion, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant shades of green, blue, and orange, conceptually representing the dynamic energy of the playoffs.The Celtics' Derrick White returns to the lineup for the playoffs, providing a boost to the team's backcourt as they begin their postseason push.Boston Today

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has been omitted from the injury report for Sunday's Game 1 playoff matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. White missed the team's regular-season finale due to a right knee contusion but will return for the start of the postseason.

Why it matters

White's availability is crucial for the Celtics as they begin their playoff run. The veteran guard has been a key contributor, averaging 10.6 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game over his final 10 regular-season appearances.

The details

White was held out of Boston's final regular-season game as a precautionary measure due to the knee contusion. However, his omission from the injury report indicates he has recovered and will be ready to take the court for the playoff opener against the 76ers.

  • White missed the Celtics' regular-season finale on April 9, 2026.
  • Game 1 of the Celtics-76ers playoff series is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Derrick White

A veteran guard for the Boston Celtics who has been a key contributor this season, averaging 10.6 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game over his final 10 regular-season appearances.

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What’s next

The Celtics and 76ers will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 13, 2026. White's return to the lineup will be crucial as the Celtics look to advance in the postseason.

The takeaway

Derrick White's availability for the playoff opener is a positive sign for the Celtics, as they look to make a deep postseason run. His return to the lineup should provide a boost to the team's backcourt and help them compete with the 76ers in the first round.