Celtics Aim for Championship as They Face 76ers in 2026 Playoff Opener

Celtics Aim for Championship as They Face 76ers in 2026 Playoff Opener

The Boston Celtics kick off their 2026 NBA playoff journey against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday at TD Garden. This matchup marks a significant moment as the Celtics strive for their second championship in three years. In their recent performances, the 76ers secured a 109-97 victory over the Orlando Magic in a play-in game, while the Celtics edged out the same team with a score of 113-108. Currently, Philadelphia holds a 45-37 record, landing them the seventh seed in the East, with a 22-19 record on the road this season. Meanwhile, Boston, the second seed, boasts a strong 30-11 home record. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Historically, the Celtics have a dominant all-time series lead at 275-200, although the teams split their four meetings this season. In the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, Boston is favored by 12.5 points, with an over/under total of 213.5 points. Before making any predictions, the SportsLine Projection Model has simulated this matchup 10,000 times, revealing valuable insights. The model has shown a remarkable 72% success rate on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Key predictions include: Celtics are projected to score a total of 215 points, with Jaylen Brown leading with an estimated 28.3 points. 76ers will likely have four players scoring in double figures, led by Tyrese Maxey with 25.7 points. Given Joel Embiid's absence, the Celtics may capitalize on the opportunity to enhance their offensive play. The model indicates a strong likelihood of hitting the Over on points, making this matchup exciting for NBA betting enthusiasts.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-19