A Shocker on the Table?: 76ers vs. Celtics Game 2 Preview
Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Philadelphia enters Boston once again on Tuesday after a disastrous first game. This game sets up to be the 76ers’ “prove it” game, as it will likely be their last opportunity to fend off Boston, instead of returning to Philadelphia down both spiritually and 2-0.
Throughout NBA history, when down 2-0, teams win just 7% of the time; when tied 1-1 after winning Game 2, that percentage jumps to 55% after losing Game 1. With that being said, it is of vital importance that the 76ers pull away with a Game 2 win before returning to Philadelphia.
They’ll need a lot to go right and a bug bounce back in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia’s Binary Star System
If there is anything that is needed in this game, it is that the emerging All-Star duo of VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey needs to play lights-out. In Game 1, the pair combined for just 34 points on less than 40% shooting, which will get you nowhere against a team such as the Celtics.
With that, since Joel Embiid is not expected to play in this series, the 76ers are without their strongest big man, meaning their guards need to take that extra step to fill his shoes. This point is doubled when taking into account the Celtics’ duo of Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, both of whom are solid players; however are simply outmatched by the 76ers’ Maxey and Edgecombe. Beyond that, however, the Celtics dominate this match-up.
Similar to the 76ers’ roommate in the Flyers, the city needs another group of rising stars to steal a game from their team’s biggest rival in their stadium. Game 2 seems set up to be that moment, and the only thing in the way of the 76ers pulling that off is their own doubts.
Paul George‘s Confidence
At a glance, George would seem to be struggling, scoring under 18 in 4 of his last 5 games; however, this seems to stem from a sudden lack of confidence. For example, in Jame 1, George was shooting just about 50% from the court, along with going 1/2 from beyond the arc. Yet, for some reason, he limited his shooting. He shot more free throws than field goals on Sunday afternoon, which is disturbing.
In Game 2, the blueprint should contain the steps on how to get George going. George has proven that he still can be the same guy who carried the Pacers to two conference finals 10 years ago, and that version of him is vital when the five best options in the F/C positions after him combine for about 30 points. If the bench cannot back up George, he will need to back himself, and his history shows he will.
No Team is Scarier Than a Team with Nothing to Lose
Heading into this series, the 76ers were quickly crossed off, most saying that it was more likely the 76ers would get swept than win the series. With very low expectations, the Celtics are expected to make very quick work of the Sixers; however, if this doesn’t happen suddenly, the Celtics have a major burden.
With the youth of the 76ers comes the promise of a second chance. Edgecombe and Maxey may be in this situation 5-10 more times, and have many other chances to prove themselves, but the Celtics only have this series to prove that they belong in the “contenders” category. So, the Celtics, although favorites, carry the burden of this series, since if they win, they “were supposed to” but if they lose, they embarrass themselves against a team that had no expectations.
The ideology in Game 2 is very simple: play for your pride. In recent playoff history, the 76ers have tended to play down and let the Celtics walk all over them. This series shows promise. With the 76ers coming into it expected to be walked over, now they have nothing to lose, and nothing to show, and they will be given the best opportunity to shock the world. So, with all that in mind, a Game 2 shocker is in play, and would come as a major step up as they could return to Philadelphia at 1-1, with a pumped-up crowd waiting at home for Game 3.
Isaac Baranski
Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic, and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.
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