The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a tough spot heading into Tuesday night, trailing the Boston Celtics 3-1 in their first-round playoff series. A loss in Game 5 at TD Garden would end their season, but a win would force Game 6 back home in Philadelphia and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The series has had its ups and downs. After a tough start in Game 1, the Sixers bounced back with a strong road win in Game 2. They showed fight in Game 3 but came up short, and Game 4 brought the excitement of Joel Embiid’s return only to result in another defeat. Now, everything rides on this must-win contest.
Embiid Expected to Play Despite Recent Surgery
Embiid is listed as probable after his emergency appendectomy, and given his track record, he’s expected to be out there battling. He played 34 minutes in Game 4 just 17 days post-surgery, delivering 26 points and 10 rebounds. His presence will be key if the Sixers hope to extend the series.
The Celtics enter with a healthy roster and plenty of weapons. Stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can take over, while their bench, led by players like Payton Pritchard, provides strong support. Boston has shown balance and depth throughout the series.
Sixers Need Complete Effort to Stay Alive
For Philadelphia to pull off the upset, they’ll need contributions across the board. Embiid dominating in the paint, Tyrese Maxey finding his rhythm alongside him, rookie VJ Edgecombe knocking down shots, and the bench stepping up with energy and scoring. Strong rebounding and defensive adjustments will also be essential to slow down the Celtics’ attack.
The Sixers showed flashes of competitiveness earlier in the series, particularly with smart pick-and-roll plays and defensive intensity. Replicating that level of effort — and building on it — could make for an exciting night in Boston. Game 5 tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, with radio coverage on 97.5 The Fanatic.
A victory would buy the Sixers more time and bring the series back to Philadelphia on Thursday. It’s a big ask against a talented Celtics team, but playoff basketball is full of memorable moments when teams rise to the occasion.