Celtics vs. 76ers 2026 NBA Playoffs: Complete Series Schedule, How to Watch, and Expert Preview

The NBA Playoffs are a theater of renewal, where old grudges are revisited and new legends are forged. In the 2026 Eastern Conference first round, one of basketball’s most storied rivalries is set for another electrifying chapter. The Boston Celtics, having navigated a season of adversity with championship mettle, are set to square off against the resilient Philadelphia 76ers. This series promises a collision of elite talent, strategic depth, and the relentless pressure of postseason basketball. Below, find the complete Celtics vs. 76ers series schedule, broadcast details, and a deep dive into the matchup that has the entire Atlantic Division on edge.

2026 Celtics vs. 76ers First-Round Playoff Schedule

Mark your calendars. The NBA has released the official dates and times for this highly anticipated first-round series. All times are Eastern. This schedule is subject to change based on the length of other playoff series.

• Game 1: Sunday, April 19 – 76ers at Celtics, 1:00 PM ET (ABC)
• Game 2: Wednesday, April 22 – 76ers at Celtics, 7:00 PM ET (TNT)
• Game 3: Saturday, April 25 – Celtics at 76ers, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
• Game 4: Monday, April 27 – Celtics at 76ers, 7:30 PM ET (TNT)
• Game 5*: Wednesday, April 29 – 76ers at Celtics, TBD (TBD)
• Game 6*: Friday, May 1 – Celtics at 76ers, TBD (TBD)
• Game 7*: Sunday, May 3 – 76ers at Celtics, TBD (TBD)

*If necessary. The Celtics, as the higher seed, hold home-court advantage with Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 at TD Garden.

How to Watch and Stream Every Game

Never miss a moment of the action. This Celtics-76ers series will be broadcast across major national networks, with extensive streaming options available for cord-cutters.

National TV Channels: The series will be split between ABC, ESPN, and TNT. ABC and ESPN games are available through most cable/satellite subscriptions and streaming services that carry these channels. TNT games are also widely available on similar platforms.

Live Streaming Options: Viewers can stream every game live via the following services:

• ESPN App: For games on ABC and ESPN (authentication with TV provider required).
• NBA League Pass: Out-of-market fans can watch replays after the game concludes. Live games are blacked out nationally.
• Streaming TV Services: Platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Blue package for TNT, Orange for ESPN), and FuboTV carry the necessary channels for live playback.

This information originally appeared on NESN. For comprehensive Boston sports coverage, add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Series Breakdown: Celtics’ Resilience Meets Philly’s Grit

This is not the matchup many predicted at the season’s outset, but it is one brimming with narrative intrigue. The Celtics’ 56-26 record and No. 2 seed are a testament to their organizational depth and the superstar emergence of Jaylen Brown. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the year with an Achilles injury, Brown elevated his game to MVP-candidate levels, orchestrating an offense that finished with a top-five offensive rating (No. 2) and a stifling defense (No. 4). The Celtics’ net rating (No. 4) confirmed their status as a legitimate title contender, even in the face of significant adversity.

Tatum’s return for the final stretch was seamless. Boston won 13 of its last 16 games, integrating their franchise cornerstone without missing a beat. The duo of Tatum and Brown, supported by a deep and versatile roster, presents a multifaceted challenge for any opponent.

The Philadelphia 76ers, however, are no ordinary first-round foe. Their path was harder, requiring a gritty victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Play-In Tournament to clinch the No. 7 seed. This team, built around its own superstar core, has battled inconsistency but possesses the top-end talent to upset any team on any given night. Their journey through the Play-In adds a layer of “backs against the wall” mentality that can be dangerous in a seven-game series. This marks the first playoff meeting between these historic rivals since 2023, adding another layer of recent history to their century-long competition.

Expert Analysis and Series Prediction

The key to this series lies in the matchup dynamics. For Boston, the primary objective is controlling the tempo and leveraging their defensive versatility. The Celtics have the personnel to switch effectively and disrupt Philadelphia’s half-court sets. Their offensive strategy will likely involve testing the 76ers’ perimeter defense and exploiting the space created by their multiple shooting threats.

Philadelphia’s hope rests on winning the battle of the superstars and dominating the glass. They must find a way to neutralize Boston’s system with individual brilliance and physicality. Transition defense will be critical; allowing the Celtics easy buckets will quickly turn games into blowouts. The 76ers’ experience in a single-elimination Play-In game could either galvanize them or leave them emotionally drained against a well-rested Celtics squad.

X-Factor: The center matchup and bench production. Which team can get consistent, impactful minutes from its role players? The team that wins the non-star minutes often wins the series.

Prediction: While the 76ers have the talent to make this a compelling fight, the Celtics’ combination of top-tier talent, systemic excellence, and home-court advantage is overwhelming. Boston’s season-long consistency, even without Tatum, demonstrates a championship-level foundation that is difficult to crack in a seven-game series. Expect Philadelphia to steal a game at home with a heroic performance, but the Celtics’ depth and two-way execution will prove too much.

Final Call: Celtics in 5.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Rekindled in the Playoff Cauldron

The stage is set for a classic. The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin with a bang as the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers renew their intense rivalry. With a complete schedule now locked in and multiple ways to watch, fans are guaranteed a front-row seat to a series dripping with history, star power, and high stakes. The Celtics enter as the rightful favorites, a machine tuned through regular-season trials. The 76ers enter as dangerous underdogs, battle-tested and unafraid. While the prediction favors the green, the beauty of the playoffs lies in its unpredictability. One thing is certain: from the opening tip at TD Garden to the final buzzer, this series will be must-see basketball.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.