2026 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Series Schedule, TV & Streaming Guide

POLICY WIRE — Boston, USA — The highly anticipated 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round matchup features the Boston Celtics, entering as the formidable No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, against the No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers.

This series marks a significant clash between two storied franchises, their first postseason encounter since 2023, promising an intense battle for advancement in the championship hunt.

Celtics’ Dominant Regular Season Performance

The Boston Celtics concluded the 2025-26 regular season with an impressive 56–26 record, securing their strong seeding despite facing adversity. Their consistent excellence was notable, achieving a top-five ranking in critical statistical categories across the league.

Even with star player Jayson Tatum sidelined for a substantial portion of the season due to an Achilles injury, the team showcased remarkable depth. Led by the stellar play of Jaylen Brown, Boston maintained a second-best offensive rating, fourth-best defensive rating, and the fourth-best net rating league-wide.

Upon Tatum’s return to the court, the Celtics regained full momentum, winning 13 of their final 16 games, indicating peak form heading into the playoffs. This strong finish sets them up as significant contenders.

76ers’ Path to the Playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers earned their spot in the postseason through a decisive victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Their qualification underscores their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.

Complete Series Schedule: Celtics vs. 76ers

Fans can follow the action with the detailed schedule for the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers first-round series:

• Game 1: April 19 – Celtics 123, 76ers 91 (Boston leads 1-0)
• Game 2: April 21 – 76ers 111, Celtics 97 (Series tied 1-1)
• Game 3: April 24 – Celtics vs. 76ers, 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video
• Game 4: April 26 – Celtics vs. 76ers, 7 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV
• Game 5: April 28 – 76ers vs. Celtics, Time TBD, Channel TBD (if necessary)
• Game 6: April 30 – Celtics vs. 76ers, Time TBD, Channel TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: May 2 – 76ers vs. Celtics, Time TBD, Channel TBD (if necessary)

Where to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are more accessible than ever, thanks to new broadcast agreements. Spectators can catch the Celtics vs. 76ers series across multiple platforms.

Television coverage for the games will be available on major networks such as ABC and NBC. For those preferring to stream, options include DIRECTV, the ESPN app, Peacock, and Prime Video.

This expanded availability ensures that fans won’t miss any of the crucial moments. For more insights into player development in the league, you can read about Brooklyn Nets Forward Noah Clowney’s Critical Offseason Improvement Strategy.

2026 NBA Playoff Bracket Overview

Beyond this series, the broader playoff picture for 2026 is taking shape:

Eastern Conference

• (1) Pistons vs. (8) Magic
• (2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers
• (3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
• (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

Western Conference

• (1) Thunder vs. (8) Suns
• (2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
• (3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
• (4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

The path to the NBA Finals is fraught with challenges, and every team is vying for supremacy. Even beyond the professional ranks, top basketball talent is making moves, as seen with John Blackwell’s Transfer to Duke, highlighting the dynamic nature of basketball at all levels.

Key Dates for the 2026 NBA Postseason

Mark your calendars for these important milestones in the 2026 NBA Playoffs and offseason:

• Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
• First Round Begins: April 18
• Conference Semifinals Begin: May 4*
• NBA Draft Lottery: May 10
• Eastern Conference Finals Begin: May 19*
• Western Conference Finals Begin: May 20*
• NBA Finals Begin: June 3
• NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary): June 19

*Note: Dates for Conference Semifinals and Finals are subject to change, potentially advancing if earlier series conclude sooner.