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The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games in the 2023 Eastern Conference playoffs, and the two teams will face off again when the 2026 first-round series tips off at TD Garden on Sunday.
Jaylen Brown has delivered an MVP-caliber season, and my 76ers vs. Celtics predictions expect the 2024 Finals MVP to come through with a strong performance in Game 1.
Read on to find out why I expect Brown to stuff the stat sheet in a comfortable home victory in my NBA picks for Sunday, April 19.
76ers vs Celtics prediction76ers vs Celtics best bet: Jaylen Brown Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)With Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the season and key players from the Boston Celtics title run playing for new teams, Jaylen Brown asserted his dominance and delivered the best statistical campaign of his career. Brown averaged career highs in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.1).
Brown finished with 37 PRA in 52 of 71 games overall, including 27 of 38 games at TD Garden. His production didn’t slip much with Tatum back in action.
Brown averaged 41.2 PRA without Tatum and 31.4 in 13 games with Tatum in the lineup. He accumulated 37+ PRA in nine of 13 games played with his superstar teammate.
Brown found success against the Philadelphia 76ers this season, averaging 38.6 PRA across four matchups. He delivered 37+ PRA twice and finished with 35 twice more.
The 76ers will be without defensive anchor Joel Embiid yet again, making this a favorable matchup for Brown. Philadelphia’s 116.5 defensive rating without Embiid would rank ninth-worst in the Association.
After a disappointing exit in the 2025 playoffs, the Celtics look primed for a deep postseason run, and their success will depend heavily on Brown’s leadership and performance.
After proving that he can be “the guy” for a contending team in the regular season, I expect Brown to carry that momentum and mindset into the playoffs and set the tone early for he and his teammates.
76ers vs Celtics same-game parlayPhilly and Boston split the four-game season series at two games apiece, but the Sixers have had a difficult time playing at TD Garden without Embiid.
In the last three games played in Boston without the big man, the 76ers were outscored by 17.3 points per game. Boston sports a +8.3 net rating at home this season, and with the team close to full strength, I’ll back them to win this one by 13+.
No team hit the Under at a higher percentage than the Boston Celtics at 63.4%. The C’s kept the score low throughout the season thanks to a bottom-5 pace and top-5 defense.
Without Embiid, the Sixers’ offensive rating dipped from 118.5 to 112.9, good for eighth-worst. Philly will have trouble scoring, and I expect Boston to make this one a slow grind.
76ers vs Celtics SGP- Jaylen Brown Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Celtics -12.5
- Under 213.5
Re-united and it feels so good! Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are in line for big games against a vulnerable defense as they look to lead their team to another title.
Jaylen Brown finished with 26+ points in 50 of 71 games overall, including nine of 13 with Jayson Tatum in the lineup. Tatum went for 23+ points in nine of 16 games and 24+ in six of 16.
Brown’s career-best year as a facilitator should continue into the playoffs. He handed out 5+ assists in 35 of 71 appearances, and he reached that mark in eight of 13 games played with Tatum.
Tatum’s rebounding is through the roof this season, as he averaged 10 boards across 16 regular-season appearances. Tatum secured 10+ boards in 10 of 16 games and seven of nine at TD Garden. Without Embiid to patrol the paint, I expect Tatum to gobble up rebounds.
76ers vs Celtics SGP- Jaylen Brown Over 25.5 points
- Jayson Tatum Over 23.5 points
- Jaylen Brown Over 4.5 assists
- Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 rebounds
- Spread: Philadelphia +12.5 (-110) | Boston -12.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Philadelphia +550 | Boston -800
- Over/Under: Over 213.5 (-110) | Under 213.5 (-110)
The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 35 of their last 50 games (+18.50 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 1| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Sunday, April 19, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Not intended for use in MA.
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