After a successful NBA Play-In game against the Orlando Magic, the Philadelphia 76ers cracked the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Sixers are taking on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Heading into the matchup, the Celtics have a clean injury report. That includes Jayson Tatum, who returned to the court less than one year after suffering an Achilles injury during the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Although Tatum returned to the court back in March, Sunday’s Game 1 between the Sixers and the Celtics marks the first meeting between Tatum and the Sixers this season.
For the Sixers, Tatum’s presence in the playoffs is bad news.
Jayson Tatum Dominates Philadelphia In The NBA Playoffs
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 laugh together during the second half of the game against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on February 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 118-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
When it comes to playoff matchups, Tatum is 12-4 when playing against the 76ers.
The two teams last met in the playoffs during the 2022-2023 season. The Sixers and the Celtics needed a Game 7 to settle their second-round series. Tatum was coming off a rough showing in Game 6, where he scored 19 points after shooting just 36.4% from the field.
Boston’s star forward bounced back in a major way for Game 7. Tatum went off for 51 points. He logged a double-double with 13 rebounds. The Celtics’ blowout win over the Sixers officially eliminated Philadelphia from the playoffs. The Sixers haven’t been to the second round since.
Did Jayson Tatum Face The Sixers In 2025-2026?
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 10: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center on February 10, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Tatum completed his impressive recovery on March 6, when he made his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks.
With the season debut coming so late in the year, Tatum missed the final Sixers-Celtics game by five days. Tatum ended up playing just 16 games for the Celtics before the playoffs. The star forward looked quite solid in his run, despite starting the year off so late.
Tatum shot 41.1% from the field and hit on 32.9% of his threes, averaging 21.8 points per game. In addition to his scoring, Tatum logged a double-double average with 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
The Sixers Are Major Underdogs
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the game at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The playoff history against Boston doesn’t bode well for the 76ers. Since Jayson Tatum has been at the head of the snake for the Celtics, the Sixers haven’t been able to defeat the Celtics in a series.
In addition to the history aspect, the Sixers are also the shorthanded squad for Sunday’s action. While Tyrese Maxey is listed on the injury report (as available), Joel Embiid is ruled out. The veteran center dealt with appendicitis, which led to surgery less than two weeks ago.
The Sixers haven’t placed a target date for his return in place just yet, but they were sure he would miss the start of the series. On Sunday, the Sixers will find out if they can overcome Tatum and the Celtics without him.