The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are set for a historic Game 7 showdown tonight at TD Garden, with the winner advancing to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This do-or-die matchup promises high drama, as both teams bring contrasting momentum and deep playoff history to the court.
Philadelphia enters on a high note, having won two consecutive elimination games after trailing 3-1 in the series. The 76ers forced this decisive game with a commanding 106-93 victory at home on Thursday, led by Tyrese Maxey's game-high 30 points. Now, they aim to become only the 14th team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series—a feat last accomplished by Denver in 2020.
This marks the record ninth time these two storied franchises have met in a Game 7, the most in NBA history. Their last such encounter came on May 14, 2023, when the Celtics advanced with a 112-88 win fueled by Jayson Tatum's historic 51 points—a Game 7 record. Boston holds a 6-2 advantage in these matchups and boasts the league's most Game 7 wins (27). Meanwhile, the 76ers have the most Game 7 losses (12), including four straight since 2012.
Several streaks are on the line tonight: The Celtics are a perfect 32-0 in series when leading 3-1, while the 76ers are 0-18 when trailing 3-1. Both teams have faced this scenario twice before in Game 7s—Boston prevailed in the 1966 NBA Finals and 1987 Eastern semifinals, while Philadelphia fell to Baltimore in 1971 and San Antonio in 1979.
The winner will face a well-rested Knicks squad, who advanced Thursday with a dominant 140-89 win over the Orlando Magic. For basketball fans, tonight's game is a must-watch chapter in one of the league's greatest rivalries.
Game Details:
- Teams: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
- Venue: TD Garden, Boston
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
- Announcing Team: Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford (analysts), Zora Stephenson (courtside reporter)