Roundtable: Who our experts think will win in Celtics vs. 76ers first-round series

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) I fully expect the Celtics to take this series versus the 76ers. They still have some of the core that won them the 2024 NBA Championship, and the 76ers haven't been to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001. However, the 76ers could give Boston a scare, especially if Joel Embiid returns from his appendectomy soon enough. When healthy, Philly has one of the league's most talented rosters, and Embiid gives it a major matchup advantage. I'd also be concerned about Boston's ability to slow down Tyrese Maxey without Jrue Holiday, who was such a huge key for it two years ago. Prediction: Celtics in 6

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics battles for a rebound with Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) The Sixers are riding the momentum of a play-in tournament win over the Orlando Magic, but the Celtics are probably the worst matchup for them. Boston does everything well that Philadelphia struggles with, and with Embiid likely out for this whole series, it doesn't bode well for the Sixers. The play of the supporting cast combined with what Jaylen Brown and Tatum can do when they get going on the offensive end is not great. The play of Maxey and Edgecombe will keep the Sixers in games, but it won't be enough. Prediction: Celtics in 5

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics drives the lane between Tyrese Maxey #0 and Dominick Barlow #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) This series has a lot of history behind it. The Celtics are the better team, so they should win it. But I think the Sixers could put a scare in them first. As usual, it all depends on Joel Embiid's status after he had an emergency appendectomy. Philadelphia has shown enough flashes over the season to at least make Boston feel a little nervous. Especially given this will be Jayson Tatum's return to playoff basketball since he tore his Achilles tendon. Prediction: Celtics in 6 Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Who our experts think will win in Celtics vs. 76ers first-round series*