The NBA regular season may be over, but for the Boston Celtics, the playoff picture is still not entirely clear. After a chaotic finish to the campaign, their first-round opponent will be either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic—depending on the outcome of the 7/8 play-in game.
Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the decisive matchup between Philadelphia and Orlando has been pushed back to Wednesday due to a scheduling conflict. That delay means Boston must wait a little longer to discover who they will host to begin their postseason journey.
Ironically, it was the Celtics themselves who helped create this uncertainty. In one of the most surprising results of the final day, Boston’s heavily depleted lineup pulled off a 113-108 victory over a full-strength Magic side. Missing key stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White, the Celtics still found a way to win behind an unlikely group of contributors.
Players such as Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, and Ron Harper Jr. stepped up in a performance that stunned Orlando and reshaped the play-in landscape. The Magic had everything to play for, needing just a win to secure home-court advantage for the 7/8 game. Instead, they now face the tougher route—traveling to Philadelphia with momentum potentially shaken.
For Boston, however, the bigger picture remains unchanged. Regardless of whether they face the 76ers or the Magic, the Celtics are widely viewed as heavy favorites to advance.
Philadelphia’s situation has been significantly impacted by the absence of Joel Embiid, who is sidelined indefinitely following surgery. Without their MVP-caliber center, the Sixers lack size, defensive presence, and interior scoring. That places immense pressure on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to carry the load—something that may not be sustainable against a team of Boston’s caliber.
On the other hand, Orlando presents a different kind of challenge—but one that may already be unraveling. The loss to Boston’s second-string unit could prove psychologically damaging. Despite having a healthy roster, the Magic failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity, raising questions about their consistency and readiness for playoff intensity.
In truth, the Celtics may not be overly concerned about either scenario. Their depth, experience, and overall quality place them a tier above both potential opponents. The focus will be on execution rather than matchup preferences.
Boston’s final-day win may also have ripple effects beyond the first round. By defeating Orlando, they indirectly influenced other playoff seedings, potentially setting up a more favorable path in later rounds. With teams like the New York Knicks likely to face tougher early tests, the Celtics could benefit from a smoother route deeper into the postseason.
As the countdown to the playoffs continues, Boston waits—but with confidence. Whether it’s Philadelphia or Orlando, the expectation remains the same: advance, and do so convincingly.
