The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers square off in a winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The meeting at TD Garden is the teams’ 23rd postseason series matchup—a league record—and their ninth Game 7, also an NBA record.
Historic backdrop
Philadelphia has not eliminated Boston in the playoffs since May 23, 1982, when Andrew Toney and Julius Erving combined for 63 points to win a Game 7 in the old Boston Garden. Boston entered the current series as a heavy favorite to claim both the series and the Eastern Conference title.
Key numbers and odds
• Spread: Celtics -8.5 (-110)
• Money line: Celtics -305; 76ers +245
• Total: 205.5 points (-110 over/under)
• ESPN’s Basketball Power Index: Boston favored by 8.4 points with a 75% win probability; projected total 210.5.
• Injury report: No injuries listed for either club.
Prop bets highlighted
Paul George over 15.5 points (-124): The forward has scored at least 16 in every game this series while shouldering isolation duties against Boston’s second units.
Jayson Tatum over 5.5 assists (-131): With Philadelphia’s wings chasing him off screens, the Celtics star is expected to find open shooters out of drives.
Daily Fantasy salaries to watch
$15,000-plus
• Jayson Tatum, PF, BOS ($16,500) – Projected leader in touches, shots, rebound chances, and potential assists.
• Tyrese Maxey, PG, PHI ($15,000) – Thriving against Boston’s drop coverage and creating downhill looks.
$10,100-plus
• VJ Edgecombe, SG, PHI ($12,300) – Expected to take roughly 10 shots while contributing on defense, the glass, and in transition.
$1,500-$10,000
• Neemias Queta, C, BOS ($8,400) – Boston’s primary option to challenge Joel Embiid one-on-one and crash the offensive boards.
Tactical focus
Boston has won two games in the series by 30 or more, relying on three-point volume, offensive rebounding, and ball security. Philadelphia’s three victories came by holding the league’s No. 2 regular-season offense below 100 points. The 76ers aim to limit perimeter looks, deploy Paul George, VJ Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and lean on Joel Embiid’s playmaking when double-teamed. Tyrese Maxey has been effective scoring from all areas regardless of coverage.
The combination of deep rivalry history, balanced rosters, and a spot in the conference finals on the line sets the stage for a tightly contested Game 7 in Boston.
Source: ESPN
