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Recent History Overwhelmingly Favors Celtics In Playoff Matchup Vs. 76ers originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to take on the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs, they're facing an uphill battle.
For starters, the Celtics have a clear advantage as the two seed against a seven seed. They have more rest, home-court advantage and a superior roster, hence why they're heavily favored to win the series.
Boston also has extensive history on its side, starting with the fact that only seven No. 7 seeds have beaten a No. 2 seed in a playoff series since the NBA postseason expanded to 16 teams in 1984, including just three times in a seven-game series.
The Celtics have historically dominated the 76ers in the playoffs, going 15-7 in their 22 postseason series. Boston has won the last six and has only lost to Philadelphia when the latter had either Wilt Chamberlain or Julius Erving on their roster, both of whom retired decades ago.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have Jayson Tatum, who has torched Philadelphia in the playoffs. He's won all three of his postseason series against them, averaging 27/8/4 on 48/38/81% shooting splits.
Furthermore, Boston has lost in the first round only once in its last nine playoff trips. The Celtics have won the first round in each of the last four years, including the last three under Joe Mazzulla.
With so many trends favoring Boston, it would be truly shocking if the Sixers prevail against them for the first time since 1982.
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