The Boston Celtics stand one win away from advancing to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, and they are showing no mercy as they prepare to close out the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 on Tuesday night at TD Garden.
With the series at 3-1 in Boston’s favor, the Celtics have dominated for stretches, particularly in a commanding 128-96 victory in Game 4 that spoiled Joel Embiid’s return from appendectomy surgery. Now, back on their home floor, Boston aims to clinch the series for the ninth time in the past decade and put an end to Philadelphia’s season.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/2049262484981498085
Just 30 minutes before tipoff, the Celtics officially announced their starting lineup via social media: Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta. This group represents the same reliable five that Boston has leaned on throughout the postseason and in the final stretch of the regular season, once Tatum returned from his Achilles injury.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff are sticking with what has worked. The lineup provides a strong mix of perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and interior presence. Queta, in particular, has emerged as a reliable starter at center, offering rim protection and energy that complements the star wings.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/2049237406445175158
Off the bench, Boston will once again count on key contributors including Nikola Vucevic, Baylor Scheierman, Payton Pritchard, and Jordan Walsh. The duo of Queta and Vucevic will be central to neutralizing Embiid, who is the only player listed on the 76ers’ injury report (probable as he continues recovering from surgery). The Celtics, by contrast, boast a completely clean injury report, with every player available.
Tatum and Brown have once again led the way, both averaging more than 20 points per game in the series. Their two-way impact has been complemented by elite team three-point shooting: Boston is connecting at 37.6% from deep while knocking down a playoff-high 18.3 threes per game. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has managed just 34.6% on a much lower volume of 11 makes per contest — a disparity that has played a major role in Boston’s commanding lead.
Mazzulla emphasized a business-as-usual mindset heading into the potential close-out game: “Nothing different… We must continue not having an expectation of how the game is supposed to go. Sticking to the details and execution.”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/2049180197132653053
The Celtics are heavy favorites, with many analysts pointing to an 11.5-point spread. As one observer noted, Boston has “erased any concerns” after dropping Game 2 at home by winning the next two in Philadelphia, capped by a dominant Game 4 performance that gives them a prime opportunity to finish the series at home.
Adding to the positive atmosphere around the franchise, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year for the second time in three seasons (previously winning in 2023-24). The honor recognizes his continued excellence in roster construction, coming after what was expected by some to be a transitional “gap year” for the Celtics. Stevens now joins an elite group as only the 12th executive to win the award multiple times.
With home-court energy, a healthy roster, sharp shooting, and a clear focus on execution, the Celtics enter Game 5 in prime position. The announced starting lineup signals continuity and confidence — a group ready to deliver a decisive blow.
Philadelphia will need a heroic effort, particularly from a still-ramping Embiid and their supporting cast, to force a Game 6. For Boston, the message is straightforward: stay locked in on the details, maintain defensive intensity against the big man, and let their superior spacing and star power do the rest.
No mercy. Game 5 is here — and the Celtics look poised to shock the 76ers one final time and punch their ticket to the next round.