Story perspectives

Celtics Set to Face 76ers in Playoff Showdown

4/17/2026

Summary

Celtics Face 76ers

The Boston Celtics will play the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA playoffs starting April 19, 2023.
The Celtics, with a 56-26 record, are the No. 2 seed, while the 76ers are the No. 7 seed after defeating the Orlando Magic.
The teams split their regular-season series 2-2, with the Celtics missing star Jayson Tatum in those games.
Joel Embiid of the 76ers is recovering from an emergency appendectomy, creating uncertainty about his availability.
Analysts expect the Celtics to advance quickly to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Summary

76ers Secure Playoff

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-97 in a play-in game on April 16 to secure a playoff bid.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers guard) led with 31 points, including a fourth-quarter surge.
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) contributed a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The 76ers became the seventh seed and will face the Boston Celtics starting April 19, while Joel Embiid remains sidelined after an appendectomy.

History

Historical Context

The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers intensified in the 1980s, marked by the Celtics' 1981 Eastern Conference Finals victory after overcoming a 3-1 deficit. The Celtics, led by Larry Bird, won 32 championships, while the 76ers claimed three titles. Their competitive history continues to shape NBA playoff dynamics, influencing team strategies and fan engagement.

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Celtics Face 76ers

The Boston Celtics will play the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA playoffs starting April 19, 2023.
The Celtics, with a 56-26 record, are the No. 2 seed, while the 76ers are the No. 7 seed after defeating the Orlando Magic.
The teams split their regular-season series 2-2, with the Celtics missing star Jayson Tatum in those games.
Joel Embiid of the 76ers is recovering from an emergency appendectomy, creating uncertainty about his availability.
Analysts expect the Celtics to advance quickly to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

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