Celtics' Sam Hauser Ready for Playoff Opener

Sharpshooter has recovered from back injury ahead of Game 1 against 76ers

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:30am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with the players' figures broken down into overlapping shapes and planes of color, reflecting the competitive energy of the playoff matchup.The Celtics and 76ers' first-round playoff matchup promises an intense, high-stakes battle between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams.Boston Today

Boston Celtics small forward Sam Hauser will be available for the team's playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Hauser missed the Celtics' regular-season finale due to a lingering back injury but has recovered in time for the postseason.

Why it matters

Hauser's availability is crucial for the Celtics as they look to make a deep playoff run. The fifth-year sharpshooter was a key contributor during the regular season, starting in 49 of 78 games and averaging 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game.

The details

Hauser managed a back injury throughout the regular season but was sidelined for the Celtics' final game against the Orlando Magic on April 12. However, the 24.8 minutes per game starter has recovered in time to suit up for Game 1 against the 76ers on Sunday.

  • Hauser missed the Celtics' regular-season finale on April 12.
  • The Celtics will face the 76ers in Game 1 of the playoffs on Sunday, April 19.

The players

Sam Hauser

A fifth-year small forward for the Boston Celtics who started in 49 of 78 games during the 2025-26 regular season, averaging 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game.

Boston Celtics

An NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts that competes in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia 76ers

An NBA franchise based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that competes in the Eastern Conference and will face the Celtics in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.

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What’s next

The Celtics and 76ers will tip off Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 19.

The takeaway

With Hauser healthy and ready to go, the Celtics will have their full complement of players available as they look to make a deep playoff run and potentially capture their 18th NBA championship.