Celtics Dominate 76ers in Crucial Playoff Clash
Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Xfinity Mobile Arena
Boston Celtics 128, Philadelphia 76ers 96, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers?
Boston Celtics beat Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers?
Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive playoff game, the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 128-96 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. This victory gives the Celtics a 3-2 lead in the series, moving them one step closer to advancing in the playoffs. The Celtics have been in strong form, boasting an away record of 56-26 for the season, while the 76ers ended with a home record of 45-37.
Both teams entered the matchup with significant momentum. The Celtics were riding a two-game winning streak, having won eight of their last ten games, with an average of 119.6 points scored and 108.4 points allowed during that stretch. In contrast, the 76ers had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, also on a two-game winning streak, but with a lower scoring average of 118.0 points scored and 114.8 points allowed.
The game was notable not just for its implications in the series but also for the performance of key players. The Celtics' offense was efficient, and they capitalized on their scoring opportunities, especially in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included a 27-foot three-point jumper by Sam Hauser and a 24-foot three-pointer from Ron Harper Jr. The Celtics' ability to stretch the lead in the final period highlighted their dominance.
In terms of home and away performance, the Celtics have excelled on the road, showcasing a 5-0 record in their last five away games. Meanwhile, the 76ers have struggled slightly at home, ending their last five games with a record of 2-3. This contrast in form was evident in the game, as the Celtics controlled the pace and rhythm throughout.
Historically, this matchup has been competitive, with the series tied at 2-2 before this game. In their previous meetings this season, the 76ers had managed to win two games, but the Celtics have had the upper hand in recent contests, winning three out of the last five encounters. The last matchup before this game saw the 76ers lose 98-114 against the Celtics on March 2, 2026.
Injury concerns also played a role in the matchup, with both teams dealing with key players listed as day-to-day. The 76ers were without Kentavious Caldwell-Pope due to a finger injury, while the Celtics faced uncertainty with Jayson Tatum's knee injury. The absence of these players could have impacted the teams' strategies and performances on the court.
The betting market reflected the Celtics' confidence heading into the game, with DraftKings setting the spread at 6.5 points in favor of Boston. The total for the game was set at 212.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The moneyline odds were -230 for the Celtics and +190 for the 76ers, suggesting that Boston was favored to win.
Conditions during the game were typical for a playoff atmosphere, with a charged crowd and high stakes contributing to the intensity of the matchup. Fans witnessed a display of skill and strategy as both teams vied for supremacy in the series.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive prowess from the Celtics, who demonstrated their ability to score from beyond the arc and finish at the rim. The 76ers struggled to keep pace, particularly in the second half, where the Celtics pulled away decisively. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter, including Trendon Watford's contributions and the late three-pointers from Boston, illustrated the Celtics' offensive depth and execution.
This game not only shifted the momentum in the series but also set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the playoffs. With the Celtics now leading the series, the pressure mounts for the 76ers to respond in the next game to keep their championship hopes alive.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BOS -6.5 | 212.5 o -115 / u -105 | Boston Celtics -230 · Philadelphia 76ers +190 |
Injury report
- Kentavious Caldwell-PopeDay-To-DayFingerPhiladelphia 76ers
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsJoel Embiid26Philadelphia 76ers
- AssistsJoel Embiid6Philadelphia 76ers
- ReboundsJoel Embiid10Philadelphia 76ers
- PointsPayton Pritchard32Boston Celtics
- AssistsJayson Tatum11Boston Celtics
- ReboundsNeemias Queta8Boston Celtics
Recent form
Philadelphia 76ers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W2118 scored · 114.8 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W126-106vs Milwaukee BucksApr 12
- W105-94at Indiana PacersApr 10
- L102-113at Houston RocketsApr 10
- L102-115at San Antonio SpursApr 7
- L93-116vs Detroit PistonsApr 4
- W115-103vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 3
- W153-131at Washington WizardsApr 1
- L109-119at Miami HeatMar 30
- W118-114at Charlotte HornetsMar 28
- W157-137vs Chicago BullsMar 25
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 8-2Streak W2119.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game3-2 away
- W113-108vs Orlando MagicApr 12
- W144-118vs New Orleans PelicansApr 10
- L106-112at New York KnicksApr 9
- W113-102vs Charlotte HornetsApr 8
- W115-101vs Toronto RaptorsApr 5
- W133-101at Milwaukee BucksApr 4
- W147-129at Miami HeatApr 1
- L102-112at Atlanta HawksMar 30
- W114-99at Charlotte HornetsMar 29
- W109-102vs Atlanta HawksMar 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Celtics | Philadelphia 76ers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-87 | 33-80 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 24-53 | 9-30 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 30 |
| Free throws | 20-28 | 21-24 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 51 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 37 | 24 |
| Assists | 28 | 25 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 34 |
| Fouls | 21 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 32 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 96 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter86-65Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-67Tyrese Maxey makes 14-foot two point shot (Quentin Grimes assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-67Jaylen Brown makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-67Payton Pritchard makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter89-68Tyrese Maxey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-69Tyrese Maxey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter91-69Payton Pritchard makes 1-foot two point shot (Luka Garza assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-72Paul George makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tyrese Maxey assists)
- 3rd Quarter93-72Payton Pritchard makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter93-73Andre Drummond makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter93-74Andre Drummond makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter94-74Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter95-74Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-74Jayson Tatum makes 25-foot three pointer (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter100-74Neemias Queta makes layup (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter103-74Jayson Tatum makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter104-74Jayson Tatum makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter104-76VJ Edgecombe makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter104-78Tyrese Maxey makes two point shot (Joel Embiid assists)
- 4th Quarter107-78Baylor Scheierman makes 26-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter107-81Tyrese Maxey makes 28-foot three point jumper (Quentin Grimes assists)
- 4th Quarter107-83Joel Embiid makes 8-foot hook shot (Quentin Grimes assists)
- 4th Quarter108-83Neemias Queta makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-83Neemias Queta makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-85Joel Embiid makes 10-foot hook shot (VJ Edgecombe assists)
- 4th Quarter112-85Derrick White makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter112-87Quentin Grimes makes two point shot (Joel Embiid assists)
- 4th Quarter115-87Jayson Tatum makes 27-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter116-87Jayson Tatum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-87Jayson Tatum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-89Quentin Grimes makes 2-foot driving dunk (Justin Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter117-90Quentin Grimes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-90Sam Hauser makes 27-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter120-92Trendon Watford makes 7-foot running pullup jump shot (Justin Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter120-93Trendon Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-94Trendon Watford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-94Ron Harper Jr. makes 24-foot three pointer (Luka Garza assists)
- 4th Quarter123-96Jabari Walker makes driving layup (Trendon Watford assists)
- 4th Quarter125-96Luka Garza makes 1-foot layup (Hugo Gonzalez assists)
- 4th Quarter128-96Max Shulga makes 23-foot three point jumper (Hugo Gonzalez assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Philadelphia 76ers, below favours Boston Celtics.
Venue
- Xfinity Mobile ArenaPhiladelphia, PA
- Attendance19746
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Josh Tiven, Mark Lindsay, Mousa Dagher
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These two, other days
- Celtics Edge 76ers in Overtime ThrillerOct 16, 2026
- Celtics Dominate 76ers in Season OpenerOct 10, 2026
- 76ers Overcome Celtics in Tense Playoff ClashMay 2, 2026
- 76ers Defeat Celtics to Take Series LeadApr 30, 2026
- 76ers Defeat Celtics in Crucial Playoff GameApr 28, 2026