Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla isn’t taking 76ers for granted despite injuries

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Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla isn’t taking 76ers for granted despite injuries

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Josue Pavon, ClutchPoints | Last updated Apr 17, 2026 5:15 PM ET

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t taking a Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers team lightly ahead of their best-of-7 first-round series. The Celtics will host the 76ers in Game 1 as the heavy favorite to win their opening-round playoff series.

Mazzulla addressed the 76ers’ season thus far and why he isn’t underestimating them, per WEEI’s Justin Turpin.

“We know we have to be at our best because they’re going to be at their best. Philly’s a great team as you saw throughout the season,” Mazzulla said. “To get to this point with all the injuries that they’ve had, and to be where they’re at now, it’s going to be a tough test for us. We gotta be ready for it.”

Celtics head Joe Mazzulla gives some respect to the Sixers. pic.twitter.com/Ueam9sCTwO

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All-Star Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic — 109-97 — locking themselves in the 7th seed to face Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics.

Could the 76ers pull off an upset vs Celtics?

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The 76ers will use the momentum from beating the Magic in the Play-In Tournament to their advantage in Game 1 against the Celtics. With home court advantage on their side, the Celtics are expected to win the first two games at home. However, with Embiid’s status still unknown for the latter half of the 76ers’ best-of-7 series, his potential return in Games 3 and 4 will be critical.

The 76ers could be a tougher out than most people are giving them credit for, as ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted, per Clutch Scoops.

“If there’s one team coming out of the play-in tournament that I think can pull off an upset, I think this is the match-up to watch,” Siegel said. “I think that’s going to be very, very interesting, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s 2-2 heading into Game 5.”

The Celtics will host the 76ers at TD Garden on Sunday.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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