The Boston Celtics look to advance to the second round by closing out the Philadelphia 76ers to begin tonight’s action on ESPN.
We’re bringing you the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, recaps and highlights from Tuesday’s action.
We open the night with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers continuing a historic rivalry, as Jayson Tatum’s squad looks to close out Joel Embiid’s and advance to the second round (7 ET, ESPN).
That’ll be followed by another chapter in the epic series between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks (8 ET, Peacock / NBC) and a chance for the San Antonio Spurs to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers (9:30 ET, ESPN) and reach the second round for the first time in the Victor Wembanyama era.
APRIL 28, 2026 / 6:00 ET
Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers will look to keep their season alive in Boston against the Celtics to start tonight’s action on ESPN.
Philadelphia:
- PG Tyrese Maxey
- The 76ers’ main scorer has to adjust with Joel Embiid back.
- SG VJ Edgecombe
- The rookie out of Baylor has been a bellwether for Philly this series. If he’s hot, they’re dangerous.
- SF Kelly Oubre Jr.
- The swingman is always a thorn in the side of the Celtics.
- PF Paul George
- Can the future Hall of Famer outplay Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown with the Sixers’ season on the line?
- C Joel Embiid
- Embiid is 3-13 against the Celtics in his Playoff career.
Boston:
- PG Derrick White
- White is always a steadying influence for Boston. Can he help contain Tyrese Maxey while finding offensive opportunities?
- SG Jaylen Brown
- Brown leads the Celtics in free throws attempted (29) during this series. His steady downhill pressure is key.
- SF Sam Hauser
- Hauser is shooting 45.5% from 3-point range this series. He can change a game quickly from deep.
- PF Jayson Tatum
- Tatum is 15-5 against the 76ers in his Playoffs career.
- C Neemias Queta:
- Queta has faced foul trouble in each of the last two games. With Joel Embiid back, Boston will also look to Nikola Vučević to battle in the post.
Keep an eye on Payton Pritchard off the Celtics’ bench. The sixth-year guard out of Oregon is second on the team in plus-minus this series (+44, behind Tatum’s +48).
APRIL 28, 2026 / 5:45 ET
Tuesday’s injury report
Joel Embiid is probable for the 76ers, while Tyrese Maxey is available.
Jock Landale is out for the Hawks.
Jonathan Isaac has been upgraded to doubtful for tomorrow’s Magic-Pistons Game 5.
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