Philadelphia 76ers to face Boston Celtics in first round of NBA playoffs

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After a one-year absence, the Philadelphia 76ers are back in the NBA playoffs.

The Sixers wrapped up regular-season play with a 126-106 victory on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with a record of 45-37 and the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. The seventh seed earned them a spot in the NBA’s play-in tournament.

“I think our chemistry is good, continuity is there,” forward Paul George said after Sunday’s win. “I think we’ve gotten stronger as the season went on. Obviously the big fella being out was a huge blow for us, but I think our chemistry, our vibes are pretty high.”

Following a 109-97 victory over the Magic in the play-in on Wednesday, the Sixers will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Here’s everything to know about the Sixers’ playoff schedule, ticket information and how to watch.

When do the Sixers play?

The Sixers open the playoffs on Sunday against the Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston. Here’s the team’s first-round schedule:

• Game 1: Sixers at Celtics | Sunday, April 19 (1 p.m., ABC)
• Game 2: Sixers at Celtics | Tuesday, April 21 (7 p.m., NBC/Peacock)
• Game 3: Celtics at Sixers | Friday, April 24 (7 p.m., Prime Video)
• Game 4: Celtics at Sixers | Sunday, April 26 (7 p.m., NBC)
• Game 5: Sixers at Celtics* | Tuesday, April 28
• Game 6: Celtics at Sixers* | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7: Sixers at Celtics* | Saturday, May 2
• * If necessary

Playoff ticket information

The Sixers will be home at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philly for Games 3 and 4. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. If necessary, Game 6 would also be in Philadelphia.

Who are the key players?

With center Joel Embiid sidelined due to appendicitis, the team will need Tyrese Maxey and Edgecombe to step up. George missed 25 games due to suspension but is eligible for the play-in and playoffs.

There is no timetable for Embiid’s return. For the Celtics, keep an eye on Jayson Tatum, who returned in March after an Achilles tendon injury.

What is the play-in tournament?

The play-in is a six-game tournament to determine the final two playoff seeds in each conference. The seven, eight, nine and 10 seeds in each conference compete to officially earn the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds, representing the final two playoff spots in each conference.

The No. 7 and 8 seeds play each other, and the No. 9 and 10 seeds play. The winner of the former game automatically earns the official No. 7 seed, while the winner of the latter faces the loser of the other game. That winner earns the official No. 8 seed.

The Sixers defeated the Miami Heat in the tournament in 2024, and then defeated the Magic this year.

Cutting the Cord

Sixers public address announcer Matt Cord is retiring after 28 years, and he called his last regular-season starting lineup on Sunday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

“I’ve had the best seat in the house announcing for the best fans in the world,” Cord said on social media in the March announcement.