The stage is set for another classic Eastern Conference showdown. After a dominant 56-26 regular season, the No. 2 seeded Boston Celtics are ready to host the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. This marks the first postseason clash between these historic rivals since 2023, promising high-stakes basketball from the opening tip.

Boston's resilience has been the story of their season. Despite Jayson Tatum missing significant time, Jaylen Brown led a charge that saw the Celtics finish with top-five ratings on both offense and defense. With Tatum back from injury and the team winning 13 of their final 16 games, the Celtics are peaking at the perfect time. They'll face a 76ers squad that fought through the Play-In Tournament to secure their spot, ensuring a battle-tested opponent.

Never miss a moment of this must-watch series. Under the NBA's new broadcast deal, the first round is more accessible than ever. Games will be featured across ABC, ESPN, and NBC. For cord-cutters, live streaming is available through DIRECTV, the ESPN app, Peacock, and Prime Video.

Gear up for the intensity. Whether you're repping green and white or Philly's blue and red, this series is where legends are made and rivalries are renewed. Lock in the schedule and get ready for playoff basketball at its finest.