Game 4 Broadcast Details
Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia 76ers are slated to host the Boston Celtics for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 26th, at 7 p.m. EDT. The matchup will be broadcast nationally on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock. The 76ers find themselves trailing the series 2-1 after a "physical" Game 3 loss.
The critical factor for Philadelphia appears to be the availability of Joel Embiid, who is listed as DOUBTFUL for Game 4 following a recent appendectomy. His absence has demonstrably impacted the team's interior presence, a point emphasized in discussions about their need for more from their "interior frontcourt."
The Celtics, holding the series advantage, aim to extend their lead to 3-1 before returning to Boston for Game 5. Meanwhile, the 76ers are pushing to even the series at two games apiece, underscoring the importance of this home contest.
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Roster and Lineup Flux
Injury reports present a complex picture for both teams. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid's status remains the most significant concern. Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as QUESTIONABLE with a right adductor strain. The Celtics, according to one report, list Jayson Tatum as out for the season with an Achilles injury and Paul George as out with a knee issue, though other reports do not corroborate these specific long-term absences. This disparity in reporting highlights the fluid nature of injury information within professional sports.
Probable starting lineups, as reported, indicate the following:
76ers: Guard - Tyrese Maxey, Guard - VJ Edgecombe, Forward - Paul George, Forward - Kelly Oubre Jr., Center - Adem Bona.
Celtics: Guard - Derrick White, Guard - Jaylen Brown, Forward - Sam Hauser, Forward - Jayson Tatum, Center - Neemias Queta.
The performance of rookie VJ Edgecombe is cited as a potential key for the 76ers, with a call for him to "bounce back" as he did in Game 2, following a challenging Game 1.
Series Trajectory and Historical Context
The series has seen a back-and-forth dynamic thus far:
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| Game | Date | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recent | Celtics | 123-91 | Boston |
| 2 | Recent | 76ers | 111-97 | Boston |
| 3 | Recently | Celtics | 108-100 | Philly |
| 4 | April 26, 2026 | TBD | TBD | Philly |
| 5 | April 28, 2026 | TBD | TBD | Boston |
| 6 | April 30, 2026 | TBD (if nec.) | TBD | Philly |
| 7 | May 2, 2026 | TBD (if nec.) | TBD | Boston |
The Celtics hold a projected win percentage of 76.6% in this matchup, according to ESPN data from a past game. This suggests a historical lean towards the Boston team. However, the 76ers have demonstrated an ability to rebound, as seen in their Game 2 victory after a significant Game 1 deficit. The team's stated objective remains consistent: "they do what they've practiced and do not waver in their goal or in their plans for how to win."
The broadcast information indicates a potential discrepancy in reporting regarding key player injuries for the Celtics, specifically for Jayson Tatum and Paul George. One source lists them as out for the season or significant time, while another includes them in probable starting lineups for Game 4. This inconsistency raises questions about the clarity of available information surrounding team status.
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