Celtics sideline Tatum for historic Game 7 showdown with Philadelphia
Philadelphia forces a winner-take-all finale at TD Garden after overcoming a 3-1 deficit, while Joel Embiid returns from surgery to lead the charge against a depleted Boston roster
The 2026 NBA playoffs first round has reached its decisive conclusion at TD Garden, where the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are set to contest a winner-take-all Game 7. Boston entered the match holding a 3-1 series lead, yet Philadelphia managed to win the subsequent two games to force this final contest. This encounter marks the ninth Game 7 between the franchises, extending the record for the most such matchups in NBA history.
The narrative surrounding the match has shifted significantly following the medical assessment of Boston's star guard. Jayson Tatum has been ruled out for the game after exiting Game 6 late in the third quarter due to left knee soreness and never returning to the floor. Although Tatum and head coach Joe Mazzulla initially downplayed the incident as minor stiffness requiring stretching, the team's medical staff conducted a further assessment that led to his exclusion.
Philadelphia's offensive strategy is bolstered by the return of Joel Embiid, who has missed the first three games due to appendicitis surgery. Since his return, Embiid has averaged 26 points per game, providing a crucial focal point for the 76ers. Alongside him, Tyrese Maxey leads the team with 26.3 points per game and has recorded 20 points and five assists in six straight games, the longest such streak in franchise playoff history.
Conversely, Boston's offensive options are limited without their primary scoring threat. While forward Jaylen Brown is averaging a team-high 24.5 points, the loss of Tatum removes a significant element from their lineup. Tatum had previously returned in March from a torn Achilles in his right leg and appeared to be regaining full form before the injury in Game 6 cast doubt on his availability.
The stakes for Philadelphia are historically high, given their record in these high-pressure situations. The 76ers are 1-10 on the road in Game 7s in franchise history, with their lone victory coming in the 1982 Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics. This is the first time in the series that the 76ers have forced a Game 7 after trailing 3-1, adding a layer of complexity to their campaign.
As the teams prepare to tip off, the focus remains on how Philadelphia can capitalise on Boston's depleted roster while overcoming their own historical struggles in road Game 7s. The outcome of this match will determine which franchise advances to the second round of the 2026 playoffs.
