Celtics' Payton Pritchard Cleared to Play in Game 1

The guard is no longer listed on the injury report for Sunday's playoff matchup.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of Celtics green and 76ers blue, conceptually representing the intensity of the upcoming playoff matchup.Celtics guard Payton Pritchard's return to the lineup provides a boost for Boston as they begin their playoff run against the 76ers.Boston Today

Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has been cleared to play in Game 1 of the team's playoff series against the 76ers on Sunday. Pritchard had been dealing with left foot plantar fasciitis, which caused him to miss the team's regular-season finale, but he is now off the injury report and ready to return to action.

Why it matters

Pritchard has been a key contributor off the Celtics' bench this season, averaging 17.2 points, 5.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game over his final six regular-season appearances. His return will provide a boost to the Celtics' second unit as they begin their playoff run.

The details

Pritchard missed the Celtics' final regular-season game due to the left foot plantar fasciitis issue, but he has now recovered and is set to play in Game 1 against the 76ers. The 28-year-old guard has been a valuable part of Boston's rotation, providing scoring punch and playmaking off the bench.

  • Pritchard missed the Celtics' regular-season finale on April 14 due to the foot injury.
  • Game 1 of the Celtics-76ers playoff series is scheduled for Sunday, April 19.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A 28-year-old guard for the Boston Celtics who has been a key contributor off the bench this season.

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What’s next

The Celtics and 76ers will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 19. Pritchard's return to the lineup will be a boost for Boston as they look to advance past the opening round.

The takeaway

Pritchard's availability for the playoffs is a positive sign for the Celtics, as his scoring punch and playmaking off the bench have been important to their success this season. His return should provide a lift for Boston as they begin their postseason run.