2023 NBA Playoffs: Sixers-Celtics Rivalry Heats Up

Sixers and Celtics Face Off for 22nd Time in Playoff History

The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics will meet in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the 22nd time, the most between any two teams in NBA history.

Past Playoff Battles

The Sixers and Celtics have a long and storied playoff history, dating back to the 1950s. Some of the most memorable moments in their rivalry include:

• 1965 Eastern Conference Finals: The Celtics defeated the Sixers in seven games to win their first of eight straight NBA championships.
• 1981 Eastern Conference Finals: The 76ers defeated the Celtics in four games to win their first NBA championship since 1967.
• 2001 Eastern Conference Finals: The Celtics defeated the Sixers in five games to advance to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

This Year's Matchup

The Sixers and Celtics are both entering the playoffs as contenders. The Sixers finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, while the Celtics finished with a 55-27 record. Both teams have a mix of young talent and veteran leadership.

The Sixers will be led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and James Harden. The Celtics will be led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart.

The series is sure to be a close one, and it will be interesting to see which team emerges victorious.

Upcoming Games

The Eastern Conference semifinals will begin on Monday, May 1, with Game 1 in Philadelphia. Game 2 will be played on Wednesday, May 3, also in Philadelphia.

The series will then move to Boston for Games 3 and 4 on Friday, May 5, and Sunday, May 7.