First Round Preview: Celtics look to advance past depleted Sixers

No two teams have faced one another in the NBA playoffs more than the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, they are set to face off for a 23rd time.

While the Celtics have had a storybook season, the Sixers have limped to the finish line with the ongoing health issues burdening Joel Embiid.

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Boston enters the game as the favorites to advance to the second round, so let’s take a look at the keys to victory for both teams.

How The Sixers Can Win

Bill Streicher — IMAGN IMAGES

Joel Embiid had surgery recently to remove his appendix and will likely miss two weeks or more. With him on the sideline, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and the supporting cast will need to play their best basketball of the season to contend with a powerful Celtics team.

Embiid’s absence tends to make the Sixers a faster team with a much higher pace. They should lean into this strength and get out on the break for transition points.

Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has had a phenomenal debut season and will also need to step up and take on part of the scoring load in this series. With no prior playoff experience, this is easier said than done.

Ultimately, the Sixers may be at the mercy of Embiid’s timeline in this series, but they’ve shown this season that they can rise to the occasion.

How The Celtics Can Win

Winslow Townson — IMAGN IMAGES

The Celtics enter this series as the much healthier team. Jayson Tatum returned from a torn Achilles in March and has looked very good. The biggest factor for Boston in this series will simply be their ability to maintain their current level of play into the postseason.

Their longtime core boasts championship experience with a play-style that has proven to be effective in the playoffs.

Philadelphia has put on some impressive defensive performances in the clutch this season, so Boston should look to run up the score early and take games away in the first three quarters.

As Tatum continues to return to his usual form, Jaylen Brown stepped his game up big time this season. With a championship core and a lot of firepower on both ends, the Celtics could sweep this series if they’re at their best.

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published Apr 18, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.