76ers vs Celtics Game Analysis
Game 2 of this series is taking place on Tuesday, April 21, in Boston.
The Celtics dominated the first game of this series from the start. They built a lead and cruised to the finish line. Jayson Tatum returned from injury to deliver 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.
The 76ers shot poorly for most of the night, especially three-pointers and are struggling without Embiid. They might be able to compete with the Celtics in the regular season, but in the playoffs, they have lost the last several series to Boston. Expect the Celtics to continue to play well while the 76ers scramble to mount a comeback. Let’s see which team is the favorite in this 76ers vs Celtics prediction at PayPerHead.
Philadelphia 76ers Recent Scores
To conclude the 2025/26 regular season, the 76ers were the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. They finished the season with two wins against the Bucks and Pacers. Prior to that, they had three losses to the Rockets, Spurs and Pistons – a tough trio of opponents.
In the Play-in tournament, they beat No. 8 seed Orlando 109-97 to join the playoffs as the No. 7 seed contender. Coincidentally, Orlando beat No. 9 seed Charlotte 121-90 to join the playoffs and remain the No. 8 seed.
Boston Celtics Recent Scores
The No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference also ended the regular season with a 2-game winning streak, beating Orlando and New Orleans. In their last 11 games, they have had only two losses, against the New York Knicks (112-106) and the Atlanta Hawks (112-102). Most of the teams they beat were not very strong, including Milwaukee, Miami, and Charlotte, but their one impressive win was against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 25, winning 119-109.
GAME 2 READY 😤 pic.twitter.com/5hY1iHJoAg
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 21, 2026
Philadelphia vs Boston History: Season vs Playoffs
The most recent matchup between these two teams might be the most important to consider, but it doesn’t paint a clear picture of their season history. Boston dominated Philadelphia in the first game of this playoff series, winning 123-91. Boston’s coach, Joe Mazzulla, even rested key players late in the game.
The Celtics wanted to show their superiority and dishearten the 76ers, but the regular season shows a different side.
- October 22, 2025: 76ers 117 – 116 Celtics (comeback win. Tyrese Maxey-40 points)
- October 30, 2025: Celtics 109 – 108 76ers (another one-point game)
- November 11, 2025: 76ers 102 – 100 Celtics
- March 1, 2026: Celtics 114 – 98 76ers (Boston pulled away in the second quarter)
The first three games of the season between these two teams were all decided by 2 points or fewer. The last game showed the Celtics pulling away and Philly falling behind. Add to that, Philly’s Joel Embiid has been out of the lineup since his surprise appendectomy on April 9, which has hurt their defense. He won’t be healthy for Game 2, but will be day-to-day after that.
76ers vs Celtics Prediction for Game 2
The Celtics are healthy, with no major issues to report. The 76ers, on the other hand, are without Embiid. They are relying on Maxey, Paul George and rookie VJ Edgecombe, but their offense hasn’t been efficient so far.
Game 2 will also be in Boston’s TD Garden, where the Celtics’ record is 30-11. The deeper, more experienced team will once again dominate at home, sailing to a comfortable win. The spread is 12.5 in favor of the Celtics.
Our 76ers vs Celtics prediction is Celtics 117, 76ers 100.
