Recent Eastern Conference Playoffs Trend Spells Bad News For 76ers Vs. Celtics

TL;DR

The Philadelphia 76ers face a tough challenge against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, starting without Joel Embiid. Historical trends indicate a significant disadvantage for the 76ers.

Key points

76ers are the seven seed in the Eastern Conference
Celtics are the two seed in the Eastern Conference
76ers will start the series without Joel Embiid
Historical trends favor the Celtics in this matchup

Philadelphia 76ersBoston Celtics2026 NBA Playoffs

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey

Recent Eastern Conference Playoffs Trend Spells Bad News For 76ers Vs. Celtics originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As the seven seed in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to upset the two seed Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

It's going to be an uphill battle for the 76ers, however. Not only will they be without Joel Embiid to start the series, but history is not on their side.

For starters, Philadelphia has lost 15 of its 22 postseason series against the Celtics, including the last six matchups.

The first round of Eastern Conference playoffs has also been incredibly lopsided. Of the 28 first-round series in the East over the last seven seasons, only one was tied 2-2 after four games. The rest were either sweeps or 3-1 at that point.

Q&A

What is the current playoff matchup between the 76ers and Celtics?

The Philadelphia 76ers are the seven seed facing the two seed Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Why are the 76ers at a disadvantage against the Celtics?

The 76ers will be without star player Joel Embiid to start the series, and historical trends favor the Celtics in this matchup.

What historical trends affect the 76ers vs. Celtics playoff series?

Recent playoff history overwhelmingly favors the Boston Celtics in their matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers.