The Celtics finished this season 56-26, good for second in the Eastern Conference. With Jayson Tatum back and ramping up for the playoffs, Boston’s depth and scoring punch have only grown more dangerous, increasing the challenge for whichever team comes out of the Play-In behind them.
For Philadelphia, the path is fraught with hurdles. The Sixers face a historic playoff dynamic against Boston, having struggled to advance in previous postseason meetings with the Celtics. Complicating matters, Embiid recently underwent surgery, and his availability for a first-round series remains uncertain, which could further affect Philadelphia’s chances.
Meanwhile, Celtics fans in tournament chatter have shown a clear preference for drawing the Sixers in Round 1, reflecting long-standing playoff history and perceived advantages in a high-stakes series. The sentiment underscores the expectation that Boston would rather face Philadelphia than some other potential opponents.
On the flip side, some Celtics supporters view Orlando as a tougher first-round matchup due to their scrappy, underdog style, even if it brings a higher risk of injuries and a bruising series. The general takeaway is that Boston would rather avoid a rough, injury-prone grind in the opening round by landing the Sixers.
Two takeaways emerge from the discussion: Celtics fans worry less about Philadelphia’s talent when Embiid is healthy but acknowledge the historical edge Boston has in the playoffs; at the same time, Orlando’s competitive temperament is seen as a potential obstacle that could complicate a quick path to the conference semifinals.
The Sixers-Magic Play-In winner will tip off with the Celtics in the first round, with the game set for 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday. If Philadelphia cannot prevail, they would then host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday to vie for the eighth seed and a chance to sneak into the playoffs.
