Celtics vs 76ers

The Celtics lead the series against the 76ers, emphasizing their 3-point shooting strategy. Joel Embiid’s injury adds uncertainty to the matchup.

celtics vs 76ers — NZ news

The Boston Celtics are relying heavily on 3-point shooting in their playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. As of April 28, 2026, the Celtics lead the series 3-1. They have achieved a historic rate by taking 55.9% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Before this shift, analysts expected a more balanced offensive approach. However, the decisive moment came when they outscored the Sixers by an impressive 21.8 points per game from three-point range. This strategy has proven effective, especially with key players stepping up.

Payton Pritchard has emerged as a crucial asset, shooting 5-for-9 from three-point range in the last seven seconds of the shot clock over the last two games. Paul George is also contributing significantly, averaging 17.5 points with a true shooting percentage of 63.6% in the series.

Yet, uncertainty looms over the Sixers as Joel Embiid is listed as questionable due to an abdomen injury. His absence could impact Philadelphia’s performance and strategy moving forward.

Celtics shooting statistics:

  • The Celtics have taken 55.9% of their shots from three-point range in this series.
  • They shot 23-for-49 (47%) in the last seven seconds during Games 3 and 4.
  • They ranked third in regular season for shots taken in the last seven seconds of the shot clock.

The Celtics’ strategy reflects their historical strength in playoff series. They continue to leverage their three-point shooting while adapting to injuries and other challenges. Game 5 is scheduled for April 28 at TD Garden, Boston, and will be broadcast on ESPN.