RealGM Basketball Wiretap

21 April 2026

• 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.

• 2026 NBA Play-In Snapshots (April 15): Warriors/Clippers, Sixers/Magic

  What happened in two snapshots in the NBA Play-In on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

• Tyrese Maxey Leads Sixers Past Magic To Set Up Celtics First-Round Matchup

  Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points and rookie VJ Edgecombe posted a double-double as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-97 Wednesday, claiming the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed and a first-round playoff series against the second-seeded Boston Celtics beginning Sunday at TD Garden.

  Maxey logged 42 minutes with six assists while Edgecombe delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds in 41 minutes. The Bahamian rookie received a technical foul for taunting Jalen Suggs following an acrobatic finish but remained a productive force throughout.

  "I guess that happens when you let a kid play in such a high-intensity game," Edgecombe said. "But I was out there having fun. So if I got to play wild for us to win, I'll play wild."

  Joel Embiid, sidelined after an emergency appendectomy last Thursday in Houston, was present on the bench, his first appearance with the team since the procedure. His status for the Boston series remains undetermined as he continues his recovery.

  Nick Nurse acknowledged the path forward won't be straightforward.

  "It wasn't pretty. It wasn't easy and wasn't pretty, but we're here now," Nurse said. "And now, we got to see what we can do with it."

  Paul George addressed the magnitude of the upcoming challenge directly.

  "We're playing against winners," George said. "We're playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball. They're a well-oiled machine over there. Great coach, great roster, two studs, superstars over there. So it's going to be a challenge. We just got to be ready for it."

  Orlando, meanwhile, faces the Charlotte Hornets at home Friday in an elimination contest, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Detroit. The Hornets are slight favorites after the opening odds were set. Paolo Banchero shot 7-for-22 with six turnovers in the defeat.

  Philadelphia gets three days off before the Celtics series tips Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

• How To Watch Magic Vs 76ers Play-In Game: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions

  The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament continues this Wednesday, April 15, with a battle for the #7 seed as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Both teams finished the regular season with identical 45-37 records, but Philadelphia holds the home-court advantage for this pivotal matchup. The winner officially clinches the #7 seed and a first-round date with the Boston Celtics, while the loser will face a do-or-die elimination game on Friday.

  Philadelphia enters the postseason dealing with a major blow, as superstar center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the Play-In Tournament due to an abdominal injury. In his absence, the 76ers will rely on the explosive scoring of Tyrese Maxey and the interior presence of Andre Drummond. Orlando counters with a healthy young core led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, looking to use their size and versatility to overwhelm a thinned-out Sixers frontcourt. Catch every moment of this Eastern Conference showdown live on Prime Video.

  The Magic have been one of the league's most improved defensive units this season, ranking in the top ten in multiple defensive categories. However, they face a Philadelphia squad that has proven resilient at home, even without their MVP. If Orlando can control the glass and limit Maxey's transition opportunities, they have a prime chance to secure their first playoff berth in the Banchero era. You can witness this high-stakes tournament battle streaming live on Prime.

  The backcourt battle will be the primary storyline tonight, as Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane attempt to harass Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. If the Magic's perimeter defense can force the 76ers into half-court sets, Orlando's size advantage may be the deciding factor. Prime Video is your home for the complete broadcast of the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament.

  How to watch Magic vs. 76ers

  Tonight's Eastern Conference Play-In game will be broadcast nationally and available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Fans can access the game via the Prime Video app on all compatible devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.

  Category	Details
  Date	Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	7:30 PM ET
  TV/Streaming	Prime Video
  Venue	Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA

  Magic vs. 76ers Betting Odds & Predictions

  Philadelphia enters the Play-In as slight home favorites despite the absence of Joel Embiid. Prediction models give the 76ers a narrow edge at home, but Orlando's health advantage makes them a popular underdog pick among analysts.

  Betting Line	76ers -1.5
  Over/Under	220.5
  Moneyline	PHI -122 | ORL +104

  Prediction: In a game without Embiid, the offensive burden on Tyrese Maxey will be enormous. While Maxey is capable of a 40-point explosion, Orlando's defensive length and the interior presence of Wendell Carter Jr. should be enough to disrupt the Sixers' flow. Final Score: Magic 112, 76ers 108.

  Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

  The marquee matchup features Orlando's Paolo Banchero against Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey. With Embiid sidelined, these two young stars will be the primary engines for their respective teams.

  Magic Key Player Stats	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Paolo Banchero (F)	22.2	8.4	5.2	46.5%
  Franz Wagner (F)	19.8	5.1	3.7	47.1%

  Philadelphia relies on the high-octane scoring of Tyrese Maxey and the emerging talent of VJ Edgecombe to anchor their postseason rotation.

  76ers Key Player Stats	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Tyrese Maxey (G)	28.3	4.1	6.6	46.2%
  VJ Edgecombe (G)	16.0	5.6	4.2	43.8%

  Stream the NBA Play-In on Prime Video

  Prime Video is the new home for exclusive NBA tournament action. Catch the Play-In and select playoff matchups with the most flexible streaming options available. From live stats to X-Ray features, Prime Video ensures you never miss a highlight from the Magic or 76ers.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What channel is the Magic vs. 76ers Play-In game on?
  The game is streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

  What happens to the winner of tonight's game?
  The winner officially becomes the #7 seed in the Eastern Conference and will advance to play the #2 seed Boston Celtics in a best-of-seven first-round series.

  Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
  No. The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that Joel Embiid is out for the Play-In Tournament due to an abdominal injury.

  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.

• Eastern Conference Postseason Field Set

  The Eastern Conference postseason picture is set. The 10 postseason teams are:

  1. Detroit Pistons
  2. Boston Celtics
  3. New York Knicks
  4. Cleveland Cavaliers
  5. Toronto Raptors
  6. Atlanta Hawks
  7. Philadelphia 76ers
  8. Orlando Magic
  9. Charlotte Hornets
  10. Miami Heat

  The 76ers will host the Magic in the 7-8 Play-In Tournament Game. The winner will advance to the Playoffs to play the Celtics as the #7 seed. The loser will play whoever wins when the Hornets host the Heat in the 9-10 Play-In Tournament Game. The winner of that game will advance to the Playoffs to play the Pistons as the #8 seed.

  The other first-round series will feature the Knicks hosting the Hawks and the Cavaliers hosting the Raptors.