The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers are set for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The series is tied at 1-1, with each team securing a win. This game takes place at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM, and will be broadcast on Amaz.
Boston comes into this game with a regular-season record of 56-26, finishing 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 1st in the Atlantic Division. Led by Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics are on a two-game winning streak. The Philadelphia 76ers, under Head Coach Nick Nurse, have a postseason record of 2-1. They won their last game against the Celtics, 111-97, and look to carry that momentum into their home game.
Boston Celtics Team Preview
The Boston Celtics have been strong offensively this postseason. They score 110 points per game, ranking 8th in the league. They also attempt a lot of three-pointers, making 14.5 per game, which ranks them 4th.
Jaylen Brown is a key player for the Celtics. He has been averaging 31 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in the postseason. Jayson Tatum is also important, with 22 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.
Defensively, the Celtics are doing well, allowing 101 points per game, placing them 5th in the league. They are strong in steals with 5 per game, ranking 2nd. Their defensive efforts help keep opponents’ field goal percentage low at 43.3%.
Philadelphia 76ers Team Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers recently played strong games in the postseason. They won against the Boston Celtics by a score of 111-97. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe led the way with impressive performances, contributing significant points and assists.
The 76ers have been solid on defense, allowing 105.7 points per game. They rank 8th in field goal percentage allowed, making it hard for opponents to score. Their three-point defense is also strong, holding teams to a 29.8% success rate.
Tyrese Maxey is a top performer for the 76ers in the postseason, averaging 27 points per game. VJ Edgecombe and Paul George also add to the team’s offensive efforts. Andre Drummond helps on the boards, grabbing 7.7 rebounds per game. Joel Embiid remains doubtful due to an illness.
Betting Prediction
The Celtics have been strong on defense, allowing only 101.0 points per game. They rank high in steals and blocks, which could disrupt the 76ers’ offense. This defensive edge gives the Celtics a chance to cover the spread.
On offense, the Celtics score 110.0 points per game, ranking them 8th in the league. They also have a good three-point shooting game, making 14.5 threes per game. This scoring ability can help them build a lead against the 76ers.
The 76ers average 103.7 points per game, which ranks them lower than the Celtics. They also struggle with assists, ranking 20th, which can limit their offensive efficiency. The Celtics’ defense can capitalize on these weaknesses.
- Pick: Celtics -7.5
