Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla don warn him team say Philadelphia 76ers go be serious test for dem as NBA playoffs dey start. The Celtics go begin dem championship pursuit against 76ers wey secure Eastern Conference No. 7 spot after Wednesday play-in victory over Orlando Magic.
Mazzulla talk am for WEEI radio say dem no go take 76ers for granted. “We know we have to be at our best. We know they’re gonna be at their best,” Mazzulla yarn on Friday. “Philly is a great team, as you saw throughout the season. To get to this point with all the injuries that they’ve had, and to be where they are now, it’s gonna be a tough test for us. We’ve got to be ready for it.”
For 76ers side, Paul George dey healthy for him first postseason with the team after playing just 37 games this season. But big wahala dey for Joel Embiid side. Abdominal injury don sideline Embiid since April 6, and ESPN reporter Shams Charania say 76ers dey ready to start Celtics series without the MVP center.
Boston enter playoffs with healthy Jayson Tatum after him recovery from Achilles tear. TD Garden go host the game. If Embiid no play, na big blow for 76ers chance to reach Eastern Conference Finals for first time since 2001.
Game go hold Sunday, April 19, 2026, with tip-off for 1 p.m. ET on ABC. Na first game for full slate of Sunday NBA Playoffs first-round action.
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Mazzulla still dey warn say even with Embiid injury wahala, Celtics no suppose overlook 76ers. The coach talk say dem go need top performance to win the series.
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