Celtics, 76ers will add to their long playoff history with a Game 7 matchup in Boston

TL;DR

The Celtics and 76ers will face off in a decisive Game 7 in Boston after the series is tied 3-3. Jayson Tatum's health is a concern for the Celtics, while the 76ers aim to break their losing streak in Game 7s.

Key points

Celtics and 76ers tied 3-3 in playoff series
Game 7 scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT
Celtics have 27-10 record in Game 7s
76ers are 6-12 in Game 7s, losing last four
Jayson Tatum's health is a concern for Boston

Celtics76ersJayson TatumJoel Embiid

BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics appeared to be skipping toward the second round of the NBA playoffs following a 32-point road win in Game 4 at Philadelphia. But back-to-back convincing wins by the 76ers in Game 5 and Game 6 have left a Boston team that once looked like a favorite to emerge from the Eastern Conference on the brink of an epic collapse. A loss in Saturday’s Game 7 would be the No. 2 seed Celtics’ earliest exit from the playoffs since the 2020-21 season. They may have to do it with star Jayson Tatum dealing with a new ailment after he briefly left Game 6 in the third quarter for unspecified treatment to an apparent left calf injury. Tatum, of course, is just 22 games into his return from the torn right Achilles tendon injury he suffered in last season’s playoffs. The Celtics downplayed the current situation, with Tatum saying afterward that his leg was only feeling “a little stiff.” He said following a quick assessment and some time on the exercise bike he didn’t return because the game was out of hand and the starters had already been pulled. Coach Joe Mazzulla said there was no injury at all and reiterated that in a conference call Friday. “He’ll play,” Mazzulla said. The recent history for winner-takes-all games for Philadelphia teams isn’t exactly on the 76ers side, though. The Flyers’ return to the NHL playoffs served as a reminder they are the last Philadelphia sports team to win a Game 7, beating, yes, Boston, in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinal. Since then, the 76ers in 2012, 2019, 2021 and 2023 have all lost Game 7s; the Flyers lost one in 2014 and 2020; and the Phillies lost Game 7 of the NLCS in 2023. The Phillies also lost a decisive Game 5 in the 2011 playoffs. The Celtics have long had the Sixers’ number in the playoffs, winning the last six series. The 76ers last eliminated the Celtics in the 1982 Eastern Conference semis. “I’ve been playing these guys for so long,” 76ers star said. “I’m tired of losing to them. We have a chance to accomplish something special.”

Q&A

What time is Game 7 between the Celtics and 76ers?

Game 7 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT.

What is the historical record of the Celtics in Game 7s?

The Celtics have a record of 27-10 all-time in Game 7s.

How have the 76ers performed in recent Game 7s?

The 76ers are 6-12 in Game 7s and have lost their last four since 2001.

What must the Celtics improve to win Game 7?

The Celtics need to improve their shooting, as they have struggled from 3-point range in the last two games.