It is time for the 2 finest phrases in sports activities: Sport 7.
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers match up on Saturday in a winner-take-all assembly within the first spherical of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Boston held a 3-1 collection lead earlier than Philadelphia received two straight to power a remaining sport at TD Backyard.
That is the ninth Sport 7 between these franchises, extending the report for many Sport 7 matchups in NBA historical past, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. The 76ers are 1-10 on the highway in Sport 7s in franchise historical past, their lone win coming within the 1982 Japanese Convention finals towards the Celtics.
After lacking the primary three video games because of appendicitis surgical procedure, Philadelphia star Joel Embiid has discovered his manner, averaging 26 factors, eight rebounds and seven.3 assists per sport. Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers with 26.3 factors per sport and has had 20 factors and 5 assists in six straight video games, the longest streak in franchise playoff historical past.
Celtics ahead Jaylen Brown is averaging a team-high 24.5 factors, whereas Jayson Tatum is including 23.3 factors and 10.7 rebounds per sport. Nevertheless, Boston is with out Tatum, who was downgraded to questionable because of left knee soreness earlier than being dominated out. In March, he returned from a torn Achilles in his proper leg and gave the impression to be regaining his full kind. In Sport 6, Tatum went to the locker room late within the third quarter because of a left leg harm and by no means returned to the sport.
Who will take Sport 7 and transfer on to the second spherical? Observe alongside for dwell updates and highlights all through the night time.
Copyright © 2026 ESPN Web Ventures. All rights reserved.