NBA Eastern Conference Game 3 Preview: Boston Celtics (1-1) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (1-1)

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Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena — 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

Tip‑off is scheduled for 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET

Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid (abdomen)Game‑time decision for April 24; previously ruled out for Game 2.

Boston Celtics

Ron Harper Jr. (ankle) — Available for Game 2; no new restrictions reported.

Team Records (Regular Season)

Boston Celtics: 56–26 (2nd in East)

Philadelphia 76ers: 45–37 (7th in East)

Series: Tied 1–1 entering Game 3.

Recent Team Form

Boston Last 5

L 111–97 vs PHI W 123–91 vs PHI W 113–108 vs ORL W 144–118 vs NOP L 112–106 @ NYK

Philadelphia Last 5

W 111–97 @ BOS L 123–91 @ BOS W 109–97 vs ORL W 126–106 vs MIL W 105–94 @ IND

Key Player Matchups

Jaylen Brown (BOS)

26.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG in series so far

Tyrese Maxey (PHI)

21.0 PPG, 8.0 APG in series so far

X‑Factor:

VJ Edgecombe (PHI) — 30 points, 10 rebounds in Game 2.

Series History (Recent Playoff Meetings)

Game 1: BOS 123–91

Game 2: PHI 111–97

Boston dominated Game 1; Philadelphia responded with a physical, defensive Game 2 win.

Team Statistical Comparison (Season Averages)

CategoryCeltics76ers
Points per game114.9115.9
Points allowed101.0110.0
FG%47%46%
Rebounds46.443.6
Assists24.624.6
Steals7.19.1

Betting Trends

Boston is 2–3 in their last five.

Philadelphia is 4–1 in their last five.

Boston has scored 123+ points in two of their last four.

Philadelphia has held opponents under 100 points in two of their last three.

Embiid’s availability dramatically shifts the matchup.

Game Odds

Boston Celtics                   – 7.5

Philadelphia Sixers         215.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026