Sixers Advance to Face Celtics in Playoff Showdown The Philadelphia 76ers have clinched a spot in the first round of the playoffs, setting up a challenging series against the Boston Celtics after defeating the Orlando Magic. Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the formidable nature of their upcoming opponent, while player Kelly Oubre Jr. emphasized the need for maximum effort. The Philadelphia 76ers have advanced to the first round of the playoffs, securing a matchup against the formidable Boston Celtics after defeating the Orlando Magic with a decisive 109-97 victory. This win marks a significant step for the Sixers as they prepare to face one of the league's top contenders. Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the immense challenge ahead, stating that Boston is playing exceptionally well and has demonstrated consistent high performance throughout the season. He highlighted the Celtics' experienced core group, who have a proven track record of success and deep playoff runs, emphasizing the tremendous difficulty this series will present. Nurse expressed his team's intent to analyze and strategize extensively before Sunday's Game 1, aiming to find a way to compete and potentially upset the favored Celtics. The first game of the best-of-seven series is slated for Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, with subsequent game times and locations to be determined based on the series progression. The schedule released indicates Game 2 will be held on Tuesday, April 21st, in Boston at 7 p.m. ET, broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN. Following that, Game 4 is set for Sunday, April 26th, in Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET on NBC. Should the series extend to its later stages, Game 7 would take place on Saturday, May 2nd, back in Boston. Despite facing adversity earlier in the season with the absence of six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Celtics still managed an impressive 56-26 record, finishing a remarkable 11 games ahead of the Sixers in the regular season standings. This enduring strength and resilience of Boston underscores the significant uphill battle Philadelphia faces. Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. echoed the sentiment of respect for their upcoming opponent, describing the Celtics as a battle-tested team that is now at full strength. Oubre stressed the importance of not underestimating this matchup and the necessity for the Sixers to play with maximum effort and intensity for the entirety of each game. He believes that carrying the momentum from their victory over the Magic will be crucial for their performance against Boston, signaling a determined mindset within the Sixers' locker room as they brace for this high-stakes playoff series. The team recognizes the talent and experience of their opponent and is focused on delivering their best performance on the court, understanding that every possession and every minute will be critical in their quest to advance further in the postseason