Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics shifts to TD Garden on April 21, with Boston holding a 1-0 lead after a 123-91 Game 1 win.
Philadelphia enters the matchup facing a major setback, with Joel Embiid ruled out due to ongoing recovery from appendectomy surgery. His absence continues to reshape the 76ers’ playoff structure on both ends of the floor.
Embiid has averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds this season, and his rim protection presence has been a key defensive anchor. Without him, Philadelphia is forced into smaller lineups that struggle to protect the paint.
Tyrese Maxey is listed as available despite managing a strain and playing with a splint. He remains the primary offensive engine, averaging 28.3 points and 6.6 assists per game across 38 minutes of heavy usage.
Philadelphia’s perimeter-heavy attack will again rely on Maxey’s scoring efficiency, especially after a Game 1 loss where the offense was held to 91 points against Boston’s structured defense.
On the Celtics’ side, Ron Harper Jr. is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain. His status is not expected to significantly alter Boston’s main rotation in Game 2.
Boston’s core rotation remains stable, led by Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jayson Tatum, who continues to produce 21.8 points and 10.0 rebounds in his limited 16-game sample this season.
