Wednesday night’s NBA Play-In battle between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic is a battle for a first-round meeting with the Boston Celtics.
This season, the Celtics finished with a 56-26 record, placing them second in the Eastern Conference. So much for a gap year.
It’s clear that with or without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics are the real deal. Now that Tatum is back and has gotten his feet wet for the NBA Playoffs, the veteran forward’s presence just makes that Celtics team so much more dangerous.
Should the Sixers want to face them? At this point, they can’t be picky. The 76ers have two options, and they need to accept whoever they get and just focus on getting into the real tournament.
However, out in Boston, Celtics fans are discussing who they would like their team to see in round one. The overwhelming favorite on Celtics Reddit just so happens to be the 76ers.
Boston Celtics Fans Want The Sixers In Round 1
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 02: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
DatDamGermanGuy: Sixers. Magic are dirty af; I donât want to play the second round with 7 guys banged upâ¦
Drakex2Mayex2: I just absolutely love beating the Sixers.
Kid_Crayola: This is my feeling as well lol. do it for old times sake, knock Joel out one more time.
RealKernschatten: I would rather face the Sixers. Orlando is outclassed. And, as we have seen again and again, when they get desperate they play rough and reckless. We don’t need those types of injuries.
Two things have been made clear…
One: Celtics fans feel that the Orlando Magic play dirty. Four to seven games against a scrappy underdog could leave Boston bruised before the stakes get higher.
Two: History had Celtics fans feeling quite comfortable. The 76ers know that Boston has their number–especially in the postseason.
Jambr380: No KCP to take out Tatum this year, but I’d still prefer the Embiid-less Sixers.
CptSaveaCat: I always look forward to the chance to watch the Celtics send the Sixers home.
JavonSteph: 76ers haven’t beat us in a playoff series in over 40 years. Let’s just say I like our chances.
Coffeebeamed: let’s send the sixers packing home once again.
Jdawg_mck1996: Is Embiid playing? If so, give me the magic. Embiid is good enough to swing a game or two in a toss up. Without him it’s a clean sweep.
Bad News For The 76ers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
When a team’s fan base wants to play your team in the most important games of the season, it’s never good news.
The Sixers have a couple of realities working against them. The history matters. It often repeats itself, and the Sixers simply struggle against the Celtics. During the Joel Embiid era, the Sixers and the Celtics faced each other three times in the playoffs. Philadelphia never advanced.
Then, the Joel Embiid absence looms large. After getting surgery less than one week ago, Embiid’s chances of playing in a first-round series seem slim. Even if he does, he’ll have to knock off some rust.
The Sixers will tip off against the Magic at 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday. If they can’t defeat Orlando, the Sixers will host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night to fight for the eighth seed.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Celtics Fans’ Playoff Choice Sends Message to Philadelphia 76ers appeared first on Heavy Sports.