Celtics vs 76ers Predictions – NBA Playoff Preview | April 26, 2026

The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their First Round series, locked at 1-1 after two games. This is the first game back in Boston, and the Boston Celtics will look to leverage home court advantage to take control of the series. See the full NBA playoff schedule for all tip-off times on April 26.

Odds and Lines

Boston are heavy favorites at -251 (implied 1.40) on Polymarket, with Philadelphia priced at +251 (3.51). The spread is 76ers +7.5, and the total is 213.5. Statz win probability backs Boston at 55.3% and Philadelphia at 44.7%.

Game Analysis

The biggest structural factor in this game is pace. Boston run at 98.0 possessions per game versus Philadelphia’s slow 91.1 – a 6.9 differential that is the largest pace mismatch of the day’s playoff slate. Boston will want to push tempo and create high-volume scoring opportunities. Philadelphia shoot better from the floor (47.6% FG vs Boston’s 42.6%) and from three (37.2% vs 32.9%), but Boston have the edge at the free throw line (83.0% vs 76.2%). If Boston can push pace and get to the line, that combination is dangerous for Philadelphia.

Injury Report

No significant injuries reported for either team heading into Game 3. Both rosters are at full strength.

Key Players to Watch

Jaylen Brown leads Boston’s projected scoring at 24.4 points. Jayson Tatum projects for 16.2 points – he has hit Pts 22.5+ in seven straight and his Pts 20+ lands at 75.0% on the season (12/16). Payton Pritchard projects for 13.5 points off the bench. Neemias Queta has been a prop darling – PR 16.5+ in seven straight (1.98) and Ast 1.5+ in six straight (2.34). Sam Hauser provides floor spacing from the perimeter.

For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey is the primary scoring threat, projecting for 24.5 points. Paul George projects for 18.9 points, though his Reb 5.5 has gone UNDER in six straight – a trend worth noting. VJ Edgecombe projects for 17.1 points and has a PRA 25+ hit rate of 56.6% (43/76) and Reb 6+ at 55.3% (42/76) – his Reb+Ast 9.5 has hit in five straight.

Prop Streaks and Trends

Jayson Tatum’s seven-game Pts 22.5+ OVER streak is the headline Boston prop trend, backed by a 75% season hit rate. Neemias Queta has two separate active streaks running. On the Philadelphia side, Kelly Oubre Jr.’s Ast 1.5 UNDER in eight straight and Paul George’s Reb 5.5 UNDER in six straight highlight where the 76ers are coming up short in secondary categories.

Combine these trends with the Statz Bet Builder Tool to build a same-game parlay before this Game 3 tips off.

Prediction

Boston’s pace advantage is the key variable in this game. At home, pushing tempo against a slow Philadelphia side, the Celtics are well-positioned to take control at 55.3% per the Statz model. The 213.5 total is moderate – expect Boston to try to push it higher through transition offense. Tatum and Brown are both projected around 24 points, making this an even-matched star battle even if the team-level odds heavily favor Boston.