A first-round playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics awaits the Sixers after their play-in victory over the Orlando Magic. Facing the Celtics is never forgiving, and the Sixers will enter their series knowing that the margin for error will be razor-thin.
Boston’s depth, shooting, and defensive versatility make them one of the league’s toughest postseason outs, and most arguably the favorite to win the Eastern Conference.
For the Sixers to keep this series competitive as the overwhelming underdog, the outcome won’t rest solely on schematic adjustments or emotional swings. It will hinge on individual performances from players whose impact could tilt the games in the Sixers’ favor.
Here are three Sixers to watch as their first-round matchup begins.
Boston will not allow Philadelphia’s offense to operate comfortably. Expect Boston to blitz Maxey often and make constant attempts to force the ball out of the primary action. Maxey’s ability to overcome that aggressive defense will be one of the most important factors to watch in the series.
The Celtics have long prioritized taking away first options, especially in late‑game situations. When defenses pressure up and load the paint, Maxey’s speed, pull-up shooting, and efficiency from deep become essential.
If Maxey can beat switches off the dribble, covert-contested pull-ups, and make quick reads against rotating defenders, Boston may become less comfortable sending extra defenders. If Maxey struggles against the Celtics’ physical perimeter defense or is forced into inefficient scoring nights, Philadelphia’s offensive ceiling drops dramatically.
Playoff series often reveal which young players are ready for the moment, and if his performance in the win against the Magic is any indication, VJ Edgecombe is ready. His role gives Philadelphia a potential wildcard in this matchup.
Facing a Celtics team built on spacing and movement, the Sixers will need players who can impact the game without needing touches. Edgecombe’s value lies in energy plays: crashing the glass, contesting shots, sprinting in transition, and defending multiple positions.
Disrupting Boston’s rhythm through physical defense and relentless activity won’t show up on the box score but could matter equally as much as scoring. The rookie can swing stretches of games in Philadelphia’s favor, and it showed how important a piece he is on this team. He doesn’t need to dominate; he just needs to show maximum effort, create pace, and focus on the details because against Boston, those details matter.
Playoff games often come down to margins: one extra rebound, one extended possession, one put‑back that breaks a run. That’s where Andre Drummond looms as a potential impact player.
Boston’s frontcourt prioritizes spacing and mobility, not overwhelming size. Drummond gives Philadelphia a chance to tilt the series physically, especially when he’s engaged and disciplined. In the last meeting, the Celtics dominated the Sixers on the boards, and Drummond’s presence did not make a difference, but he's played significantly more inspired basketball lately.
His impact won’t be defined by his scoring totals, but it will be about whether he can dominate the defensive glass to limit second chances, generate extra possessions, and control the paint without fouling.
The Celtics will try to exploit Drummond by dragging him into space or attacking him in the pick-and-roll, so he will need to stay locked in defensively. If he can stay on the court for purposeful minutes, he can help hold down the fort for a potential Joel Embiid return.
Boston enters this series as the clear favorite and has won the last six playoff matchups between these two teams. Maybe the Sixers are due for something to go their way, or at least these performances could help them make this a competitive series.
MORE: Sixers clinch playoff spot behind 31 from Maxey in play-in win
