Six bold predictions for Celtics-76ers playoff series

Celtics enter as favorites over shorthanded Sixers in 23rd all-time playoff matchup

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Celtics-76ers basketball game, with fragmented shapes in vibrant green, blue, and red representing the players, court, and ball.The Celtics and 76ers renew their storied playoff rivalry, with Boston's depth and defensive versatility tested against a shorthanded Philadelphia squad.Boston Today

The Celtics and 76ers will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday, renewing the longest-running postseason rivalry in NBA history. No. 2 seed Boston enters as the prohibitive favorite over seventh-seeded Philadelphia, which currently is playing without its former NBA MVP center, Joel Embiid. The Herald's six bold predictions for the series include a vintage scoring performance from Jayson Tatum, continued dominance from Jaylen Brown, a rotation shakeup at center, and an under-the-radar Sixer stepping up.

Why it matters

This Celtics-76ers playoff matchup is the 23rd all-time meeting between the two franchises, the longest-running postseason rivalry in NBA history. With the Sixers missing their star center Embiid, the Celtics are heavily favored to advance, but the series could still feature some surprises and unexpected contributors.

The details

The Celtics enter the series as the No. 2 seed, while the 76ers are the No. 7 seed. Boston's Jayson Tatum has been an elite rebounder and defender since returning from injury, but his scoring efficiency has dipped. Jaylen Brown has emerged as the Celtics' top option on offense. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla may lean more on backup center Neemias Queta over the struggling Nikola Vucevic. Celtics rookie Collin Scheierman could provide an energy boost off the bench, while an under-the-radar 76er like Justin Edwards or Quentin Grimes could get hot from three-point range and steal a game.

  • The Celtics and 76ers will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Embiid underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis last week, and the Sixers have yet to announce a timeline for his return.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward has been an elite rebounder and defender since returning from injury, but his scoring efficiency has dipped this season.

Jaylen Brown

Brown has emerged as the Celtics' top option on offense, leading the team in scoring since Tatum's return.

Nikola Vucevic

The veteran center acquired by the Celtics at the trade deadline has struggled to find his footing in Boston's system.

Neemias Queta

The Celtics' third-string center has outperformed Vucevic in limited minutes and could see an increased role in the playoffs.

Collin Scheierman

The Celtics' confident, hard-playing rookie guard has earned minutes with his play and could provide an energy boost off the bench.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Celtics-76ers playoff series could feature some unexpected contributors and surprises, despite Boston's status as the heavy favorite. The Celtics' depth and defensive versatility will be tested, especially if Embiid remains sidelined for Philadelphia.