The Philadelphia 76ers‘ first-round series against the Boston Celtics is set to conclude on Saturday, May 2.
Ahead of the action, the NBA made a special announceent dedicated to the 76ers star forward, Paul George, as Game 7 falls on his 36th birthday.
via NBA on X: Join us in wishing Paul George of the @Sixers a HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY!
Depending on how Saturday night’s game shakes out, George could have two reasons to celebrate.
The 76ers Have A Shot At An Upset
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
As the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed, the Sixers are tied 3-3 with the Celtics.
Heading into the series, George’s 76ers didn’t have much support from basketball fans and analysts. Most predicted the 76ers didn’t have a shot to win. After a Game 1 blowout in favor of Boston, predictions of a sweep flooded the space.
However, the Sixers stole Game 2 on the road and put up a good fight in Game 3 at home. Joel Embiid returned to the team for the fourth game of the series, but the Celtics spoiled his night with another blowout win.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a basket during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Going back to Boston with a 1-3 record in the series, the Sixers were counted out again. They proved they won’t go down without a fight.
Over the past two games–one home and one away–the Sixers have pulled off comfortable victories against the Celtics. George has been praised as the ideal third option for the Sixers, as his offense has been efficient and his defense has been stellar.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics goes in for a layup against Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Through six games, George is shooting 48.7% from the field and knocking down 54.3% of his 5.8 shots from three per game. The veteran is putting up 18.2 points per game, while producing an average of 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
The 76ers and the Celtics are slated for a 7:30 PM ET tip on Saturday. Winner moves on for a series against the New York Knicks. Loser calls it a year.