Philadelphia, PA - The Philadelphia 76ers are hosting the Boston Celtics for Game 3 of their playoff series, with the teams entering the contest tied 1-1. A significant factor in this pivotal matchup is the absence of Joel Embiid, who is sitting out due to recovery from appendectomy surgery.
The game, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET, is not being broadcast on traditional television channels. Instead, viewers can access the game exclusively via streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This marks a shift in how some of the NBA playoffs are being distributed this season.
The series began with Boston securing a decisive Game 1 victory, 123-91. However, Philadelphia responded strongly in Game 2, winning 111-97 to even the slate before returning home.
Game Day Lineups and Rosters
For Game 3, the starting lineups indicate key offensive roles. The Boston Celtics are fielding:
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PG – Derrick White (averaging 9.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.0 bpg)
SG – Jaylen Brown (averaging 31.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg)
SF – Sam Hauser (averaging 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, shooting 42.9% on 7.0 3PA)
PF – Jayson Tatum (averaging 22.0 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 8.0 apg, 1.5 spg)
C – Neemias Queta (averaging 10.5 ppg on 88.9 FG%, 4.0 rpg)
The Philadelphia 76ers, without Embiid, are starting:
PG – Tyrese Maxey (averaging 25.0 ppg, 8.5 apg, 1.0 spg)
SG – VJ Edgecombe (averaging 21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 spg)
SF – Kelly Oubre, Jr. (averaging 11.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
PF – Paul George (averaging 18.0 ppg on 52.4 FG%, 4.0 rpg)
C – Adem Bona (averaging 1.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
In the early stages of Game 3, Derrick White gave Boston a seven-point lead heading into halftime, though specific scores were not consistently reported throughout the game. On the Sixers' side, Kelly Oubre Jr. was the only player in double figures by halftime, with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe closely behind.
Contextual Information
The NBA playoff landscape sees other series also reaching Game 3. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to establish a 3-0 lead against the Houston Rockets. Additionally, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was recently named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Improved Player. News also emerged regarding other player statuses, with Rockets' Kevin Durant and Lakers' Austin Reaves out for their Game 3.
This postseason also follows other notable NBA news, including the dismissal of an ex-Suns employee's discrimination suit, Peterson entering the NBA draft after one season at Kansas, and NBA fines levied against Devin Booker. The NBA draft lottery details and order are also forthcoming.
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