Surprise Celtics and renewed 76ers primed for Eastern Conference playoff matchup

Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Maxey lead their teams into a highly anticipated postseason clash.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:13pm

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The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off in the Eastern Conference playoffs, with both teams entering the series with renewed energy and high expectations. Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who missed much of the season due to an Achilles injury, is back and ready to lead his team's title defense, while the 76ers are led by the resurgent Tyrese Maxey, who has emerged as a key contributor in the absence of injured star Joel Embiid.

Why it matters

This matchup between the Celtics and 76ers is a highly anticipated one, as these two teams have a long-standing rivalry and have met in the playoffs before. The series will showcase some of the Eastern Conference's top talent, including Tatum, Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, and could set the stage for a deep playoff run for the winner.

The details

The Celtics are coming into the series as the No. 2 seed, having earned that position despite Tatum's extended absence due to his Achilles injury. Tatum's return has bolstered the team, and he is eager to help the Celtics defend their title. Meanwhile, the 76ers have been led by the impressive play of Maxey, who has stepped up in the absence of Embiid and carried the team to the playoffs. The 76ers will be without Embiid for the start of the series as he continues to recover from an appendectomy.

  • Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of Boston's Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks 48 weeks ago.
  • Tatum returned to the court just over a month ago after nearly 10 months of rehabilitation.
  • Embiid underwent an appendectomy on April 9 and is still recovering.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star and one of the centerpieces of the Celtics' 2021 championship team. Tatum is returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon and is eager to lead the Celtics' title defense.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' rising star, who was voted an All-Star starter for the first time this season. Maxey has carried the team in the absence of Embiid and is primed to play a key role in the playoff series against the Celtics.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star forward, whose career-best performances in points, rebounds, and assists have been crucial to the team's success in Tatum's absence.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center, who is still recovering from an appendectomy and will miss the start of the playoff series against the Celtics.

V.J. Edgecombe

The 76ers' rookie forward, who made an impressive NBA debut by scoring 34 points in his first game, setting a franchise record for a player's debut.

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What they’re saying

“I think more of a sense of gratitude than ever. Not that I took it for granted. But when something is taken away from you, it just means a little bit more.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics star

“We've just got to take it one day at a time, don't take anything for granted and just come out ready to go every single night.”

— Jaylen Brown, Celtics star

“I said there's no chance that I'm going to not be in the playoffs next year.”

— Tyrese Maxey, 76ers star

“I love Philly fans, man. I'm going to be so honest, man, it was loud. The intensity, the physicality, it was great. That's the type of game I live for. Physical, the crowd's involved. I couldn't ask for a better, like, debut-kind of playoff experience, kind of. It was great. I enjoyed every moment of it.”

— V.J. Edgecombe, 76ers rookie

What’s next

The Celtics and 76ers will tip off their playoff series on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated matchup between the Celtics and 76ers features two teams with renewed energy and star power, setting the stage for an exciting and hard-fought playoff series. The return of Jayson Tatum and the emergence of Tyrese Maxey have both teams primed for a deep postseason run, making this a must-watch series for NBA fans.