A smattering of “we want Boston” chants echoed through Xfinity Mobile Arena with just over 60 seconds remaining in last night’s matchup between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The fans’ confidence was admirable, if perhaps premature.
The 76ers delivered a 12-point victory, clinching their playoff berth and setting up a first-round showdown against the Boston Celtics. Yet as Philadelphia celebrates its advancement, a significant development has shifted the outlook in Boston’s favor: Joel Embiid’s status remains highly uncertain following an emergency appendectomy just one week ago.
The Celtics, meanwhile, closed the regular season on a dominant note. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown operating at full strength once again, Boston has lost just three games since Tatum’s return in early March. The duo’s return has restored the team’s championship-caliber tandem, positioning the Celtics as clear favorites heading into the postseason.
History Heavily Favors Boston
This Atlantic Division rivalry carries deep postseason weight, and the numbers tell a one-sided story. Dating back to 1982, the Celtics have won every playoff series against the 76ers. Boston holds a commanding 26-14 edge in the 40 playoff meetings between the franchises since then.
The modern chapter of this rivalry has followed the same script. In the Tatum-Brown era, Boston has consistently had Philadelphia’s number. That includes the memorable moment years ago when Embiid’s subtle temple tap—intended to suggest the Sixers had gotten inside Boston’s heads—was met with Marcus Morris’ response of three fingers followed by a zero, symbolizing a 3-0 series lead.
This season’s four regular-season meetings ended in a 2-2 split, but all four games occurred without Tatum on the floor. Paul George, Philadelphia’s second-best available player for much of the year, has not faced Boston in 14 months. With Embiid’s availability in serious doubt for the first round, neither team has truly seen the other at full strength—yet the historical precedent and current form strongly suggest the advantage lies with the Celtics.
Maxey Leads a Dangerous, Yet Diminished Sixers Attack
Even without Embiid, the 76ers will not be an easy out. Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the head of the snake in Philadelphia’s offense and has been particularly explosive against Boston. The 25-year-old guard has averaged 30.0 points and 8.8 assists per game while shooting a scorching 51.4% from three-point range across the four matchups this season.
In the first meeting—a 117-116 Sixers win—Maxey dropped 40 points on 54.2% shooting, including a 7-for-9 performance from beyond the arc. Maxey and George have the potential to trade blows with Tatum and Brown, ensuring the series will test Boston’s focus and defensive execution.
A First-Round Test with Familiar Stakes
Make no mistake: this remains a winnable series for Philadelphia, and it could stretch longer than many expect. A close sweep is possible. A seven-game war is not out of the question. The talent gap narrows without Embiid, but the Celtics’ depth, experience, and recent dominance provide a significant edge.
For Boston, the news of Embiid’s uncertain status represents a major boost heading into the playoffs. The Celtics will open the series at home, where their strong finish to the regular season has built momentum and confidence.
The “we want Boston” chants may have come true, but Philadelphia should be careful what it wishes for. History is on the Celtics’ side in a massive way, and with Tatum and Brown firing on all cylinders, Boston appears poised to continue its longstanding mastery of this rivalry.
Grab your popcorn. The first round of the playoffs begins Sunday afternoon, and this heavyweight Atlantic Division clash promises drama from the opening tip.