The Boston Celtics are playing the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at 1 pm EST on Saturday, April 19.
The two teams haven’t faced off in postseason action since 2023, but just like some of their previous battles, this series is expected to bring some excitement in the first round. The Celtics are predicted to beat the 76ers, but it might not come easily as Philadelphia has remained feisty all season, despite missing key players throughout the year.
Before Game 1, Boston made a few key announcements as their 2026 playoff push begins.
Celtics Announce Starting Lineup Decision vs 76ers
GettyJayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics react during a game at TD Garden.
In the lead-up to the Saturday game, the Celtics confirmed their starting lineup with a post on social media.
Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta were all named as starters by head coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff.
This is the usual starting lineup for Boston, and it’s been what Mazzulla has consistently used since Tatum’s injury return and when everyone is healthy.
Players like Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman, and Nikola Vucevic will all be key in this series, but as has been the story in the past, it’ll be Brown and Tatum leading the way for the Celtics.
Boston could change the starting lineup at different points of the series, but this group is what’s worked so far, so there’s no point in switching things up now.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers Playoff Series
GettyJaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at TD Garden on March 1, 2026.
The 76ers found their way to playing the Celtics in the first round after beating the Orlando Magic in the NBA Play-In Tournament to become the seventh seed in the East.
They did it without Joel Embiid, who is recovering from appendix surgery. His status for the postseason remains a mystery, but the 2023 league MVP is expected to miss at least the first few games of this series as he’s been hit with just another health concern in his tumultuous career.
Embiid is the only player listed on Philadelphia’s injury report for Game 1, while the Celtics don’t have any players out to begin the series.
However, having the 76ers’ big man sidelined is good news for Boston, as if he were healthy, it could cause problems against their questionable frontcourt. Queta, Vucevic, and Luka Garza are a solid center trio, but as it relates to guarding Embiid, they could see some trouble.
So, for as long as he’s out, the Celtics will be looking to take advantage of every minute Philadelphia is playing without their big man. The Sixers will be leaning on Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and the rest of their rotation as long as Embiid is out.
Outside of Tatum, Boston has been pretty healthy for much of the season, and while their rotation will shrink in the postseason, Mazzulla and the staff having a full and healthy bench is a good sign for a team hoping to repeat their success in the 2024 postseason.
2023: Celtics in 7 2020: Celtics in 4 2018: Celtics in 5 2012: Celtics in 7 2002: Celtics in 5 1985: Celtics in 5 1982: Sixers in 7
As for Boston, however, they are favored to win the series relatively easily. With a first-round victory, they would go on to play either the New York Knicks or Atlanta Hawks.
The Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers first-round playoff series tips off at 1 pm EST on Saturday, April 19, live on ABC.
Celtics Announce Starting Lineup Decision For Game 1 Vs Philadelphia 76ers