RealGM Basketball Wiretap

25 April 2026

• Joel Embiid Ruled Out Of Game 3 After Making Progress In Return From Appendectomy

  Joel Embiid has made progress in his return from an emergency appendectomy, but was ruled out of Game 3 as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Boston Celtics.

  Embiid began ramping up his on-court work this week after also beginning a strength and conditioning program on Monday. Embiid participated in Thursday's practice and also in Friday's shootaround.

  Embiid was not cleared on Friday afternoon after meeting with the Sixers' medical staff.

  "He's just not ready," Nick Nurse said during his pregame availability ahead of Friday's game. "He's lifted some, he's got on court a bit, but we're still at two weeks and a day, I think. So we're just not ready yet."

  Embiid averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in 38 games this season for the Sixers

• Joel Embiid Upgraded To Doubtful For Game 3

  Joel Embiid has been upgraded to doubtful by the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of Game 3 on Friday against the Boston Celtics. Embiid underwent emergency appendectomy two weeks ago.

  Embiid began a strength and conditioning program Monday and then participated in parts of practice Thursday.

  "We're, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he's really hopeful," 76ers coach Nick Nurse told reporters after Thursday's practice. "He wants to play, and we want him to play.

  "I don't know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there's some progress being made."

  The Sixers evened the series 1-1 with a Game 2 win at the Celtics led by impressive performances by VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.

• How To Watch 76ers Vs Celtics Playoff Game 3: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions

  The most historic rivalry in the Eastern Conference takes center stage this Friday, April 24, as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Boston Celtics for a pivotal Game 3. After the 76ers stunned the Garden with a 111-97 victory on Tuesday to tie the series 1-1, the battle for supremacy moves to Philadelphia. Despite the continued absence of Joel Embiid, the 76ers have found a new spark, making this a "must-watch" for home-court advantage in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Catch the high-stakes action live on Prime Video.

  All eyes are on Philadelphia's rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe, who silenced the Boston crowd in Game 2 with a dominant 30-point, 10-rebound performance. Alongside Tyrese Maxey, who added 29 points of his own, the 76ers' backcourt has proven they can carry the load while Joel Embiid recovers from an emergency appendectomy. Boston, led by Jaylen Brown's 36 points in the loss, must address their perimeter shooting struggles after a cold 26% showing from deep. Witness every highlight-reel moment live on Prime Video.

  The tactical battle now shifts to the interior, where Jayson Tatum-who notched a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds in Game 2-aims to exploit Philly's thinned-out frontcourt rotation. The 76ers rely on Andre Drummond and a swarming team defense to neutralize Boston's size advantage, while the Celtics look to Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to provide the secondary scoring that went missing in the series reset. With the Philly faithful ready to welcome their team home, expect a physical, high-intensity showcase at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

  Boston's defense, which allowed 19 three-pointers in Game 2, will face the ultimate test against a 76ers squad playing with newfound confidence. You can witness this Eastern Conference heavyweight clash streaming live on Prime Video.

  How to watch Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3

  Friday's Game 3 will be broadcast nationally on Prime Video.

  Category	Details
  Date	Friday, April 24, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
  Live Stream	Amazon Prime Video
  Venue	Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA

  Celtics vs. 76ers Betting Odds & Predictions

  The Celtics enter Game 3 as road favorites despite their Game 2 stumble. Oddsmakers expect a rebound performance from Boston, but Philly's home momentum has kept the moneyline competitive.

  Betting Line	Celtics -7.5
  Over/Under	215.5
  Moneyline	BOS -270 | PHI +220

  Prediction: The 76ers caught lightning in a bottle in Game 2, but Boston's championship-tested core of Tatum and Brown rarely stays cold for long. If Jayson Tatum finds his rhythm from deep early, the Celtics should regain control of the series. Final Score: Celtics 112, 76ers 104.

  Individual Matchups: Game 2 Leaders

  The marquee matchup features Boston's Jayson Tatum against Philly's breakout star VJ Edgecombe. This battle between established superstardom and rookie fire will define Game 3.

  76ers Key Player Stats (Game 2)	Points	Assists	Rebounds	FG%
  VJ Edgecombe (G)	30	2	10	52.6%
  Tyrese Maxey (G)	29	9	2	47.8%

  The Celtics rely on Jaylen Brown to maintain his hot hand while Jayson Tatum orchestrates the floor and dominates the glass.

  Celtics Key Player Stats (Game 2)	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Jaylen Brown (F)	36	5	2	54.1%
  Jayson Tatum (F)	19	14	9	42.1%

  Stream the NBA Playoffs on Prime Video

  Prime Video is your essential destination for NBA fans. Catch premier playoff matchups with the most flexible streaming options available, ensuring you never miss a highlight as the Celtics and 76ers battle for supremacy in the East.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Who won Game 2 of the Celtics vs. 76ers series?
  The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 111-97 on Tuesday night to tie the series at 1-1.

  Is Joel Embiid playing in Game 3?
  Joel Embiid is currently recovering from an emergency appendectomy and is not expected to play in Game 3.

  When is tip-off for Game 3?
  Tip-off for Celtics vs. 76ers Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, April 24, at 7:00 PM ET in Philadelphia.

  This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Restrictions may apply.

• VJ Edgecombe Has Historic Rookie Playoff Performance As Sixers Take Game 2 Over Celtics

  VJ Edgecombe delivered one of the most remarkable rookie playoff performances in NBA history Tuesday, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while battling a back injury as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 111-97 to level their first-round series at 1-1.

  At 20 years and 265 days old, Edgecombe became the youngest player in NBA history to record 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game, surpassing Magic Johnson, who was 20 years and 276 days old during his celebrated 42-point, 15-rebound showing in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals. Edgecombe is also the first rookie to post those numbers in a playoff game since Tim Duncan's 33-point, 10-rebound effort in 1998.

  Tyrese Maxey added 29 points and nine assists for Philadelphia, which shot 47.8 percent from the field and connected on 19-of-39 three-point attempts. Edgecombe knocked down six of those triples.

  "I think we knew where the shots were going to come from," Edgecombe said. "We kept trusting each other. Everyone can make a play on the court. They wanted me to shoot the ball."

  The performance was made more striking by the circumstances. Edgecombe took a hard fall early and left for the locker room in visible discomfort twice, once in the first quarter and again in the third, before returning both times to continue scoring.

  Philadelphia closed as a 13.5-point underdog, making this the franchise's largest upset victory in a playoff game in 35 years.

  "This is who we are. Game 1 was not who we are," Maxey said.

  Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 36 points but acknowledged the 76ers' young star earned his performance.

  "I thought Edgecombe was just too comfortable," Brown said. "He's a rookie, but he can play. We've got to be better on him."

  The Celtics shot 39.3 percent overall and went 13-of-47 from three, committing 13 turnovers that produced 16 Philadelphia points. Jayson Tatum finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists.

• How To Watch 76ers Vs Celtics Playoff Game: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions
  The 2026 NBA Playoffs reach a fever pitch this Tuesday, April 21, as the Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Boston (1-0) holds a commanding series lead after a dominant 123-91 victory in Game 1. Shorthanded and reeling, Philadelphia must find a way to steal a game at TD Garden before the series shifts to Xfinity Mobile Arena. Catch the action live on Peacock.

  The status of 76ers star Joel Embiid remains the primary storyline. Embiid has been ruled out for Game 2 as he continues his recovery from a recent appendectomy. While he has resumed light strength and conditioning drills, Philadelphia faces an uphill battle without his interior presence. Boston, meanwhile, has hit full stride with Jayson Tatum off the injury report and looking like an MVP contender after a stellar Game 1 performance (25 points, 11 rebounds). Witness every moment live on Peacock.

  The 76ers will once again lean on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to generate offense against the league's top-ranked defense. Rookie standout VJ Edgecombe will also be a key factor as Philadelphia looks to inject speed into their rotation. For the Celtics, the balanced attack of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White has proven nearly impossible to slow down when the ball is moving. You can witness this Eastern Conference clash streaming live on Peacock.

  Control of the glass will be vital tonight. In the opener, Boston's 32-point margin was fueled by elite defensive stops and transition buckets. If Philadelphia's Andre Drummond can stabilize the paint and limit second-chance points, the Sixers might keep it competitive. However, the Celtics' home-court energy at TD Garden remains one of the toughest obstacles in the NBA. Peacock is your home for the complete broadcast of Game 2.

  How to watch 76ers vs. Celtics Game 2

  Tonight's Game 2 will be broadcast nationally and is available for streaming exclusively on Peacock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Fans can access the game via the Peacock app on all compatible devices, including smart TVs, laptops, and mobile phones.

  Category	Details
  Date	Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	7:00 PM ET
  Streaming Service	Peacock
  Venue	TD Garden, Boston, MA

  76ers vs. Celtics Betting Odds & Predictions

  The Celtics enter Game 2 as significant home favorites, reflecting their dominant Game 1 performance and the continued absence of Joel Embiid. Prediction models suggest another double-digit win for the home team.

  Betting Line	Celtics -13.5
  Over/Under	216.5
  Moneyline	BOS -850 | PHI +575

  Prediction: Without Joel Embiid to anchor the middle, Philadelphia lacks the defensive structure to stop a motivated Jayson Tatum. While Tyrese Maxey should provide more scoring than in the opener, the Celtics' depth is too great to overcome. Final Score: Celtics 116, 76ers 100.

  Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

  The marquee matchup features Boston's Jaylen Brown against Philadelphia's Paul George. These two elite wings will dictate the perimeter defensive pressure of the series.

  Celtics Key Player Stats (2025-26)	Points	Assists	Rebounds	FG%
  Jaylen Brown (G/F)	28.7	5.1	6.9	47.7%
  Jayson Tatum (F)	25.0	7.0	11.0	52.9%

  The 76ers rely on the explosive speed of Tyrese Maxey and the veteran scoring of Paul George to keep their postseason hopes alive.

  76ers Key Player Stats (2025-26)	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Tyrese Maxey (G)	26.9	3.9	7.7	48.9%
  VJ Edgecombe (G)	15.5	4.2	3.8	45.2%

  Peacock: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to exclusive NBA coverage for the entire 2026 postseason. Follow the Celtics and 76ers as they battle for a championship.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Where can I stream the 76ers vs. Celtics Game 2?
  The game is available for streaming exclusively on Peacock.

  Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
  No. Joel Embiid is officially out for Game 2 as he continues to recover from an appendectomy performed on April 9.

  Who won Game 1 of the series?
  The Boston Celtics won Game 1 by a score of 123-91 on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

  This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Restrictions may apply.

• Joel Embiid Starts Recovery Program After Appendectomy, Timeline Uncertain

  Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has begun a strength and conditioning program following his emergency appendectomy nearly two weeks ago, the team announced Monday. However, he remains in Philadelphia and is effectively ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Boston Celtics.

  The 76ers dropped Game 1 on Sunday, 123-91, a result that underscored how dependent Philadelphia's offense is on Embiid's presence. The team hopes he can return at some point during the series, though that window may narrow quickly depending on how competitive the Sixers prove to be.

  Without Embiid, Boston was able to direct greater defensive focus toward Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, neutralizing Philadelphia's halfcourt attack. The Celtics have no reliable matchup for Embiid in isolation, and his absence allowed Boston to apply suffocating pressure elsewhere.

  Philadelphia responded with a pointed practice and film session Monday. Nick Nurse indicated the session was more targeted than usual.

  "Normally, we go over film in general on offense and defense and special teams," Nurse said. "Not today. We were much more specific today."

  The Sixers were visibly disappointed with both their effort and output in Game 1 and expect a sharper performance going forward despite entering the series as underdogs.

  Embiid appeared in 38 regular season games, averaging just over 26 points per game. Coming off nearly two years of knee problems, he demonstrated he remains among the league's most imposing offensive forces when healthy. The original plan was to manage his workload during the regular season to ensure he was fully available for the playoffs.

• Celtics Rout 76ers 123-91 In Game 1, Jayson Tatum Posts 25-Point Double-Double

  The Boston Celtics opened their first round series with a commanding 123-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

  Jayson Tatum led Boston with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in 32 minutes as he continues his remarkable recovery from a torn Achilles tendon less than a year ago. Jaylen Brown added 26 points as the Celtics led wire-to-wire and pushed their advantage to 35 points at its peak.

  "That was Celtics basketball," Brown said. "Our offense can't win us this series. I mean, our offense is important, but we got to make sure we guard. And I think tonight we did a great job."

  Philadelphia shot 4-for-23 from three-point range and surrendered a 22-3 deficit in points off turnovers. Tyrese Maxey finished with 21 points on 8-for-21 shooting.

  "The weird part about it is we kind of got some good looks," Maxey said. "We just missed wide-open 3s. But the defense, we had a lot of defensive breakdowns, a lot of stuff that we went over, that can't happen."

  Joel Embiid, recovering from an emergency appendectomy performed April 9, stayed in Philadelphia and did not travel with the team. The 76ers' primary objective is stretching the series long enough to give the star center a chance to return.

  "A lot went wrong, that's for sure," 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. "I thought from the second quarter to about midway through the third, we finally got ourselves underneath us a little bit and played pretty good basketball.

  "But the minutes around that was absolutely unacceptable."

  Boston hosts the Sixers again in Game 2 on Tuesday when they will be -13.5 point favorites.

• NBA Announces Finalists For MVP, Rookie Of The Year, Coach Of The Year, Other Awards

  The NBA announced the finalists for several different awards on Sunday night. They league also said that they'll begin revealing winners of these awards this coming week. The finalists for each award are listed below:

  Most Valuable Player

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Nikola Jokic
  • Victor Wembanyama

  Rookie of the Year

  • V.J. Edgecombe
  • Cooper Flagg
  • Kon Knueppel

  Coach of the Year

  • J.B. Bickerstaff
  • Mitch Johnson
  • Joe Mazzulla

  Defensive Player of the Year

  • Chet Holmgren
  • Ausar Thompson
  • Victor Wembanyama

  Sixth Man of the Year

  • Tim Hardaway Jr.
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr.
  • Keldon Johnson

  Most Improved Player

  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker
  • Deni Avdija
  • Jalen Duren

  Clutch Player of the Year

  • Anthony Edwards
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Jamal Murray
• NBA Scheduled To Hold 2026 Draft Pick Tiebreakers On Monday

  The NBA is set to hold tiebreakers for selections in the 2026 NBA Draft on Monday, April 20. If the tie is between lottery teams, these tiebreakers set the order pre-Draft Lottery. The actual lottery odds will be split evenly between the tied teams.

  Non-lottery teams will also have their order decided by the tiebreakers. The second-round draft order will then be the inverse of the first-round.

  The ties to be broken are:

  4/5: Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz

  7/8: Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans*

  16/17/18: Orlando Magic*, Philadelphia 76ers*, Phoenix Suns*

  19/20: Atlanta Hawks* and Toronto Raptors

  22/23: Cleveland Cavaliers* and Houston Rockets*

  24/25: Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks

  *These picks will be conveyed to the following teams:

  New Orleans Pelicans: Atlanta Hawks or Milwaukee Bucks (Atlanta receives the more favorable selection)

  Orlando Magic: Memphis Grizzlies

  Philadelphia 76ers: Oklahoma City Thunder

  Phoenix Suns: Charlotte Hornets

  Atlanta Hawks: San Antonio Spurs

  Cleveland Cavaliers: Atlanta Hawks

  Houston Rockets: Philadelphia 76ers

• How To Watch 76ers Vs Celtics Playoff Game: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions

  The 2026 NBA Playoffs deliver a historic Eastern Conference rivalry this Sunday, April 19, as the Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 1 of the First Round. Boston (56-26) enters as the #2 seed, while Philadelphia (45-37) fought their way in as the #7 seed after defeating the Orlando Magic in the Play-In tournament. Catch the opening tip-off live on Fubo.

  The series narrative is heavily impacted by the injury report. Philadelphia is officially without superstar center Joel Embiid for the start of the series as he recovers from a recent appendectomy. Meanwhile, Boston continues to wait on the return of Jayson Tatum, who spent the regular season rehabbing a torn Achilles; though he has progressed to full practice, he remains a game-time decision for the series opener. In their absence, the spotlight falls on MVP candidate Jaylen Brown and the Sixers' newly minted duo of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. Witness every moment live on Fubo.

  Boston's defense, which ranked #1 in the NBA this season in opponent points per game, will be tasked with slowing down Maxey, who averaged a career-high 28.4 PPG. The 76ers will lean on the veteran rebounding of Andre Drummond to anchor the paint in Embiid's absence. Despite the seeding gap, these teams split their regular-season series 2-2, promising a tightly contested battle in the "City of Champions."

  The Celtics' elite perimeter shooting, led by Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, will face a Sixers defense that has significantly improved with the addition of Paul George. You can witness this Eastern Conference heavyweight clash streaming live on Fubo.

  Boston's ability to move the ball-they rank top-five in offensive rating-will be vital against the Sixers' length. Philadelphia will look to push the pace through Maxey and rookie standout VJ Edgecombe. As the quest for the 2026 title begins, Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast of the 76ers vs. Celtics.

  How to watch 76ers vs. Celtics

  Sunday's Game 1 will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston and NBCS-PH. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national NBA playoff coverage.

  Category	Details
  Date	Sunday, April 19, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	1:00 PM ET
  TV Channel	NBCS-BOS / NBCS-PH / Fubo
  Live Stream	Fubo
  Venue	TD Garden, Boston, MA

  76ers vs. Celtics Betting Odds & Predictions

  The Celtics enter Game 1 as favorites, reflecting their dominant #2 seed status and elite home record (30-11). However, the spread remains competitive due to the star power available on a resilient Philadelphia roster.

  Betting Line	Celtics -6.5
  Over/Under	222.5
  Moneyline	BOS -260 | PHI +210

  Prediction: While Philadelphia has the talent to push this series, Boston's defense and home-court energy are difficult to overcome in a series opener. Expect Jaylen Brown to set the tone early. Final Score: Celtics 116, 76ers 104.

  Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

  The marquee matchup features Boston's Jaylen Brown against Philadelphia's Paul George. This clash of elite wings will dictate the defensive pressure and scoring rhythm of the game.

  Celtics Key Player Stats (2025-26)	Points	Assists	Rebounds	FG%
  Jaylen Brown (G/F)	29.1	4.0	7.3	49.1%
  Derrick White (G)	15.6	6.3	4.4	46.8%

  The 76ers rely on the speed of Tyrese Maxey and the all-around impact of Paul George to lead their postseason rotation.

  76ers Key Player Stats (2025-26)	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Tyrese Maxey (G)	28.4	3.6	6.7	47.2%
  Paul George (F)	21.5	5.2	4.1	45.9%

  Stream the NBA Playoffs on Fubo

  Fubo is the essential destination for NBA fans. Catch regional sports networks like NBC Sports Boston and NBCS-PH, plus national broadcasts and premier playoff matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the 76ers or Celtics.

  Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national NBA coverage for the entire 2026 postseason. Follow the Celtics and 76ers as they battle for Eastern Conference supremacy.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What channel is the 76ers vs. Celtics game on?
  The game will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston (Boston) and NBCS-PH (Philadelphia). Fans can also stream the action via Fubo.

  Is Jayson Tatum playing in Game 1?
  Jayson Tatum is listed as questionable. While he has progressed to full practice after a year-long Achilles rehab, the team has not yet confirmed his return to the active lineup for the series opener.

  Where is Joel Embiid?
  Joel Embiid is officially out for Game 1 as he recovers from appendectomy surgery performed on April 9. His return date is estimated for early May.

  This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Restrictions may apply.