76ers Defeat Celtics in Crucial Playoff Matchup
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · TD Garden
Philadelphia 76ers 111, Boston Celtics 97, 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 Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics?
Philadelphia 76ers beat Boston Celtics 111-97 at TD Garden on April 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics?
Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -850 (about 89% implied). The underdog won.
In a pivotal playoff clash, the Philadelphia 76ers triumphed over the Boston Celtics with a final score of 111-97, taking a commanding lead in the series, which is now tied at 2-2. This game was particularly significant as both teams were vying for an edge in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and the stakes were high at TD Garden, where the Celtics had a strong home record of 56-26 this season.
The Celtics entered the game with an impressive home performance, having won eight of their last ten games, with an average of 119.6 points scored and 108.4 points allowed. They were on a two-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive resilience. However, the 76ers had also been in good form, winning six out of their last ten games, averaging 118.0 points scored while allowing 114.8 points. Both teams were looking to capitalize on their recent successes, making this matchup highly anticipated.
Historically, the Celtics had the upper hand in recent meetings, holding a 5-3 record against the 76ers in their last eight encounters. In their previous matchup earlier in the season on March 2, the Celtics secured a convincing 114-98 victory. However, the 76ers had shown they could compete, having won close games against Boston, including a narrow 102-100 victory in November.
In terms of injuries, the Celtics were dealing with the day-to-day status of star player Jayson Tatum, who was nursing a knee issue. The 76ers were also facing a similar situation with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had a finger injury. The absence of key players could have significant implications for both teams, particularly in a high-stakes playoff environment.
The betting lines reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings providing the Celtics as 13.5-point favorites, indicating confidence in their home advantage. The total points line was set at 218.5, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game. The moneyline odds were -850 for the Celtics and +575 for the 76ers, further emphasizing the Celtics' status as favorites.
As the game unfolded, the 76ers took control in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Key contributions came from Tyrese Maxey, who was instrumental in maintaining the lead with crucial baskets, including a 27-foot three-point step back jumper that extended the 76ers' lead to 111-95. Kelly Oubre Jr. also made significant plays, including a timely three-pointer that pushed the score to 102-89.
Despite the Celtics' efforts to rally back, including a three-pointer from Jaylen Brown, they were unable to close the gap. The 76ers' defense held strong, limiting the Celtics' scoring opportunities and capitalizing on their own. The final score of 111-97 not only marked a significant victory for the 76ers but also highlighted their ability to perform in critical moments, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BOS -13.5 | 218.5 o -105 / u -115 | Philadelphia 76ers +575 · Boston Celtics -850 |
Injury report
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
- Kentavious Caldwell-PopeDay-To-DayFingerPhiladelphia 76ers
Leaders
- PointsJaylen Brown36Boston Celtics
- AssistsJayson Tatum9Boston Celtics
- ReboundsJayson Tatum14Boston Celtics
- PointsVJ Edgecombe30Philadelphia 76ers
- AssistsTyrese Maxey9Philadelphia 76ers
- ReboundsVJ Edgecombe10Philadelphia 76ers
Recent form
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 8-2Streak W2119.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game5-0 at home
- 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
Philadelphia 76ers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W2118 scored · 114.8 allowed per game3-3 away
- 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
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 | Philadelphia 76ers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-90 | 35-89 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 19-39 | 13-50 |
| Three-point % | 49 | 26 |
| Free throws | 6-11 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 55 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 50 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 32 |
| Assists | 18 | 24 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 38 |
| Fouls | 17 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 66 | 29 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter65-56Neemias Queta makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-56Paul George makes 4-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter69-56Tyrese Maxey makes 14-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter69-58Jaylen Brown makes driving layup (Sam Hauser assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-60Jayson Tatum makes running layup (Derrick White assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-60Kelly Oubre Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tyrese Maxey assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-62Jayson Tatum makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter72-65Jaylen Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-65Kelly Oubre Jr. makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter74-68Jaylen Brown makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 3rd Quarter75-68Paul George makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-68Kelly Oubre Jr. makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter77-70Nikola Vucevic makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-72Payton Pritchard makes 2-foot layup (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-73Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-74Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-74VJ Edgecombe makes 27-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter82-74VJ Edgecombe makes 7-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter82-77Jaylen Brown makes 25-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-77VJ Edgecombe makes 15-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter84-80Derrick White makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter84-82Payton Pritchard makes 11-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter86-82Paul George makes 20-foot step back jumpshot (Justin Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter89-82Justin Edwards makes 24-foot three point jumper (Paul George assists)
- 4th Quarter89-84Neemias Queta makes 4-foot layup (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter90-84Paul George makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-84Paul George makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-87Jayson Tatum makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter91-89Jaylen Brown makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter94-89Tyrese Maxey makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter97-89Tyrese Maxey makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter99-89Andre Drummond makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter102-89Kelly Oubre Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyrese Maxey assists)
- 4th Quarter102-92Jaylen Brown makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter105-92VJ Edgecombe makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter107-92Tyrese Maxey makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter108-92Tyrese Maxey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter108-95Jaylen Brown makes 29-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter111-95Tyrese Maxey makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter111-97Luka Garza makes two point shot (Ron Harper Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Boston Celtics, below favours Philadelphia 76ers.
Venue
- TD GardenBoston, MA
- Attendance19156
- OfficialsSean Wright, Marat Kogut, Marc Davis
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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