#boston_celtics

University of Houston Coach Praises Chris Cenac Jr.’s Work Ethic and NBA Draft Success University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, a veteran in basketball recruiting, has long observed the challenges of evaluating high school prospects during summer events. He noted that many games in these circuits often devolve into unstructured pickup games, with top players frequently sitting on the sidelines in street clothes. This dynamic makes it difficult to gauge a player’s true potential, a reality Sampson has encountered throughout his career. However, his perspective shifted when he noticed the work ethic of an under-the-radar player at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Orlando two summers ago. Chris Cenac Jr., a New Orleans native entering his senior year of high school, caught Sampson’s attention during the camp, which featured the top two picks from the previous June’s NBA draft: AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. While the other prospects played only a few games, Cenac remained on the court for every match, including the final day when few players were left. Sampson praised Cenac’s relentless effort, highlighting his rebounding, floor running, and competitive spirit. “Chris’s best days might have been the last two days,” Sampson said. “He rebounded, he ran the floor, he competed, and he tried to win. I just loved his attitude.” Cenac’s performance at the camp earned him the title of most valuable player, and his rise to prominence was swift. He became a McDonald’s All-American and was ranked as Houston’s top-rated recruit in at least two decades. His impact at the University of Houston was immediate, helping the Cougars secure their fifth consecutive 30-win season. In June, the Boston Celtics selected him with the 27th overall pick, marking a significant milestone in his career.#boston_celtics #kelvin_sampson #university_of_houston #chris_cenac_jr #nbpa_top_100_camp

Celtics Owner Makes Candid Admission About Jaylen Brown Trade The Boston Celtics are just over one month removed from trading All-Star guard Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster deal to the Philadelphia 76ers, but the repercussions of the transaction continue to ripple through the organization. Celtics lead owner Bill Chisholm reflected on the emotional and strategic challenges of the decision during an appearance on The Greg Hill Show, which aired as part of the Jimmy Fund radio-telethon fundraiser on WEEI. Chisholm, who has long been a devoted fan of the franchise, admitted the process of reconciling his personal attachment to Brown with the business realities of the trade was deeply difficult. Chisholm acknowledged the internal struggle he faced when the decision was made. "I struggled with it at the time," he said, addressing the challenge of balancing his fandom with the responsibilities of ownership. "I truly believe we have the best front office in the NBA, and I think it's a source of advantage for us every day. I definitely have a level of trust in Brad [Patel] and his team, but as a fan, that was tough. I really needed to be convinced. To take the fan passion out of it because I'm a superfan was tough. You had to be a sociopath if you don't worry a little bit about what the other fans are going to think." Despite the emotional weight, Chisholm emphasized his commitment to the long-term vision of the Celtics. "To put all of that to the side and do the job, I step back and realize you have a responsibility to protect and advance the legacy of the Celtics," he said. "We've got the best brains in basketball, and this is something they had conviction around. I needed to be convinced, and that's my job, but they did convince me. We did it and we did it with conviction.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #philadelphia_76ers #paul_george #bill_chisholm

Doc Rivers Enshrined in NBA Hall of Fame Amid Complex Coaching Legacy Doc Rivers is being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend, a recognition that underscores his status as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Despite a career marked by both triumphs and controversies, Rivers’ legacy remains a subject of intense debate. Over the past 15 years, social media and public discourse have often focused on his playoff failures, memes, and polarizing quotes, overshadowing his achievements as the winningest coach of the social media era. Rivers’ coaching resume includes five NBA teams: the Orlando Magic (1999–2004), Boston Celtics (2004–2013), Los Angeles Clippers (2013–2020), Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2023), and Milwaukee Bucks (2023–2026). Since the 2010–11 season, he has amassed 744 regular-season victories, surpassing legends like Gregg Popovich (676), Steve Kerr (604), and Rick Carlisle (626). His 1,194 career regular-season wins place him among the NBA’s all-time leaders, trailing only Popovich, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, and Pat Riley. Rivers also ranks fourth in total games coached (2,060) and holds the ninth-highest regular-season win percentage (58.0%) among coaches with at least 1,000 games. Yet, his legacy is complicated by playoff struggles. Rivers’ teams have been part of four franchises tied for the record for most blown 3-1 playoff leads in NBA history: Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and the Clippers. Rivers’ teams account for three of these collapses, including the 2003 Orlando Magic, 2015 and 2020 Clippers. Critics argue that his inability to secure critical series victories has fueled public disdain, despite his early success in building competitive teams. The 2008 Boston Celtics championship remains a defining moment in Rivers’ career.#boston_celtics #los_angeles_clippers #orlando_magic #doc_rivers #nba_hall_of_fame

LeBron James' Free Agency: Rich Paul Lists Potential Teams LeBron James, now a free agent, has become the focus of NBA free agency as his agent, Rich Paul, openly discusses potential destinations for the 41-year-old superstar. Since James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, Paul has been vocal about his client’s options, revealing a list of teams that could potentially welcome him in the upcoming season. The information emerged during a conversation on Paul’s “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, where he used a whiteboard to outline possible teams. Among the names highlighted were the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks. Paul also mentioned that the Knicks are among the teams that have checked in on James. Additionally, he noted that James would have definitely joined the Knicks had they not just won a championship. Paul’s approach has been to publicly discuss the teams interested in James, though he acknowledged that some names on the list may not yet have formal inquiries. The agent’s statements are part of his role in promoting James, even as the player’s legacy and performance make him an attractive option for nearly every contender. The list of teams Paul presented reflects the broader landscape of the league, where nearly every franchise is vying for a superstar’s attention. While the Knicks, 76ers, and Celtics are prominent names, the inclusion of teams like the Mavericks and Spurs shows that even mid-tier franchises are considering James as a potential game-changer. However, the focus remains on the top contenders, as these teams are more likely to offer the resources and competitive environment James seeks at this stage of his career.#boston_celtics #lebron_james #new_york_knicks #philadelphia_76ers #rich_paul

Jaylen Brown's Future with Celtics Uncertain as Free Agency Looms With the NBA free agency period set to begin on Tuesday, speculation about Jaylen Brown’s potential departure from the Boston Celtics has intensified. The four-time All-Star, who has three years remaining on his contract, has reportedly grown frustrated with the Celtics’ approach to roster management, according to league sources. This frustration comes amid a season in which Brown led the team to 56 wins despite the absence of star teammate Jayson Tatum, who missed significant time due to an Achilles injury. The Celtics’ failed pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the summer trade deadline has further complicated their free agency strategy. While Boston’s offer for the five-time All-Star included Brown as a key asset, the Bucks’ decision to trade Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat left the Celtics without a clear path to acquire a superstar. Despite this setback, the team has continued to explore trade options for Brown, with multiple teams reportedly interested in acquiring him. However, league insiders suggest that the Celtics are still considering whether to keep Brown or pursue a trade, with one source indicating that a return to Boston remains possible if difficult conversations occur. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has not ruled out the possibility of retaining Brown, though he has not confirmed it either. Last Tuesday, Stevens emphasized the team’s focus on adding a big man and a speedy guard to complement their roster. Boston’s financial flexibility has improved after dipping below the luxury tax threshold, granting them access to the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.#boston_celtics #brad_stevens #jaylen_brown #miami_heat #giannis_antetokounmpo

Harlan Coben, Stars Talk Netflix's Boston-Set 'I Will Find You' Harlan Coben, the author behind the Netflix adaptation of his 2023 novel I Will Find You, reflected on the deep personal connections he had to the Boston area while crafting the story. The series, which premiered on Netflix, is set in Revere, a coastal neighborhood with roots in Coben’s family history. He described his late father, a native of Winthrop, and his family’s ties to the area as central to the novel’s emotional core. Coben revealed that the passing of the last family member connected to Revere shortly before he began writing the book was no coincidence. “All of my connections to Revere and that childhood part were gone. Maybe this was part of my way of capturing those people again,” he told the Globe in a Zoom interview. Coben, who grew up in New Jersey, spent summers in the 1960s and 1970s at Revere Beach, where he wandered streets like Constitution Avenue and Centennial Avenue. He also worked in Marshfield for Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics during his youth, later returning to Massachusetts to study at Amherst College. For the series, he aimed to evoke the “nostalgia feel of Revere” through the character of David Burroughs, a father searching for his missing son. “I wanted that place to set this story,” he said, emphasizing the row house neighborhoods and community spirit that define the area. Sam Worthington, who stars as David Burroughs, described his portrayal as a “damsel in distress,” relying on co-star Britt Lower’s Rachel Mills to navigate the mystery. Worthington noted how the role subverts traditional thriller tropes, allowing for a more vulnerable performance. “I wanted to play him in a way where he was always the one that needed to be rescued,” he explained.#boston_celtics #harlan_coben #sam_worthington #britt_lower #revere

Boston Celtics' Playoffs Collapse and Fantasy Outlook: A Season of Disappointment and Strategic Questions The Boston Celtics' playoff run came to an abrupt end after they squandered a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers, losing Game 7 at home to a seven-seed. This defeat marked a rare low point for a franchise known for its championship pedigree, especially since the Celtics had previously defeated the Sixers in every playoff series since 1982. The loss was not solely attributed to the absence of Jayson Tatum, who missed the final game due to a knee injury, but rather to the team’s inability to sustain a deep postseason run with their current roster. Despite this, the Celtics remain a strong fantasy option, with five players ranked in the top 100 across points in category leagues. Jaylen Brown emerged as the team’s cornerstone, earning All-Star, All-NBA, and MVP recognition. He carried the team through much of the season without Tatum, showcasing a career year with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His shooting splits of 48/34/80 highlighted his efficiency, and he finished 9th in per-game value, averaging 50 fantasy points per game. However, his performance in 9-cat leagues was slightly dinged by turnovers, as he averaged 3.6 giveaways per game. Brown’s consistency and leadership made him a top-30 player in fantasy drafts, and his value is expected to remain high for the 2026-27 season. Tatum’s return to the lineup in the final month of the regular season was a critical factor in the Celtics’ efforts. Despite a rusty jump shot—connecting on just 41% of his field goals and 33% of his three-pointers—he still delivered a second-round value in fantasy leagues.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #jaylen_brown #philadelphia_76ers #derrick_white

The Celtics don't need to overhaul their roster this offseason The Boston Celtics faced a humbling reality this week after becoming the first team in franchise history to lose a playoff series after holding a 3-1 lead against the 76ers. The loss marked a dramatic shift in NBA fortunes, as the Celtics, who had dominated the first-round series, were forced to confront the unpredictable nature of the postseason. Now, the team enters a pivotal offseason with the goal of maximizing the prime years of its core players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while navigating financial flexibility and roster decisions. The Celtics’ financial position entering this summer is significantly stronger than last year, when they were constrained by salary cap restrictions. This time, they are below the first and second aprons, as well as the luxury-tax threshold, granting them access to valuable tools. These include the $15 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and the $5.5 million biannual exception. Additionally, the team has accumulated trade exceptions from recent deals, such as the $27.7 million exception created when they traded Anfernee Simons to the Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. Other exceptions include $8.4 million and $4.7 million, which provide flexibility in future trades. The Celtics also hold the Nos. 27 and 40 picks in next month’s draft, offering potential opportunities to address depth or specific positional needs. However, the team’s salary structure for returning players remains top-heavy. Tatum, who is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained last May, will earn $58.5 million next season, while Brown, who emerged as an MVP candidate during Tatum’s absence, will make $57.1 million. Brown is also eligible for an extension this fall.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #jaylen_brown #nba_coach_of_the_year #bill_chisholm

Game 7s in NBA Playoff History: Stats, Legends, and Records The 2026 NBA Playoffs have brought three Eastern Conference First Round series to Game 7, continuing a tradition that dates back to the league’s earliest days. These matchups are steeped in history, with Game 7s often serving as the ultimate stage for dramatic comebacks, clutch performances, and defining moments in NBA lore. From the first Game 7 in 1948 to modern-day legends like LeBron James and Jayson Tatum, the NBA’s seventh games have produced unforgettable moments that shape the league’s narrative. As of the 2025 playoffs, a total of 155 Game 7s have been played in NBA history, with home teams holding a dominant 115-40 record (.742). This trend underscores the significance of home-court advantage, though road wins have been rare but impactful. For example, the 2024-25 season saw at least one Game 7 road winner, continuing a streak of 10 consecutive seasons with such victories. The Boston Celtics, with 37 Game 7s, lead all franchises, boasting a 27-10 (.730) record, while the Los Angeles Lakers (16-8, .667) and Philadelphia 76ers (6-12, .333) also figure prominently in the historical tally. Notable players have left indelible marks on Game 7s. Jayson Tatum’s 51-point performance against the 76ers in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals remains the highest single-game total in a Game 7, while LeBron James holds the record for most points scored across all Game 7s with 279. Jerry West, with 278 points in nine Game 7s, is second, and Bill Russell’s perfect 10-0 record in Game 7s as a player is unmatched. In the NBA Finals, Jerry West’s 42-point Game 7 in 1969 still stands as the highest single-game total, and his triple-double in that series remains a rare feat. Coaches have also shaped Game 7 history.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #lebron_james #philadelphia_76ers #nba_playoffs

NBA Playoffs 2026: Three Game 7s Set to Decide East Semifinals The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs has delivered a mix of historic comebacks, upsets, and dramatic finishes, culminating in three Game 7 showdowns for the first time since the round adopted a best-of-seven format in 2003. The East Conference will host all three decisive matchups, with the New York Knicks set to face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers series. Meanwhile, the other semifinal matchup will be determined by Sunday’s Detroit Pistons-Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors games. The Pistons’ Game 7 against the Orlando Magic will take place on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Magic, who scored the fewest points in a half in NBA playoff history during Game 1, face a critical challenge without star guard Franz Wagner, who is sidelined due to a right calf strain. ESPN analysts emphasize that the Magic’s success hinges on their physicality, particularly in the paint. In Game 1, Jalen Suggs’ defensive intensity, Wendell Carter Jr.’s presence, and Paolo Banchero’s balance between scoring and playmaking set the tone. However, the absence of Wagner forces role players like Tristan da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jamal Cain to step up. The Pistons, meanwhile, must rely on their suffocating defense to avoid another stunning comeback. Cade Cunningham, the team’s best player, will need support from Duren inside, who must dominate the paint to neutralize the Magic’s frontcourt. The Pistons’ struggles from beyond the arc—ranking last in 3-point makes and percentage during the playoffs—add pressure, though analysts suggest a breakthrough in Game 7 could shift momentum. In the Raptors-Cavaliers series, the Game 7 on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock will test Toronto’s defensive resilience.#boston_celtics #new_york_knicks #philadelphia_76ers #detroit_pistons #nba_playoffs_2026

New York Knicks Set for NBA Playoffs Second Round Clash with 76ers or Celtics The New York Knicks secured their place in the NBA playoffs second round with a dominant performance against the Atlanta Hawks, marking a historic moment in franchise history. The Knicks delivered a crushing 140-89 victory in Game 6 of their first-round series, capping off a series defined by their overwhelming superiority. The game featured a staggering halftime lead of 83-36, the largest in NBA postseason history, as the Knicks overwhelmed the Hawks from the outset. The rout was further highlighted by a chaotic first-half brawl that erupted after the Knicks extended their lead to 50 points (72-22) with less than five minutes remaining in the first half. With their fourth consecutive playoff run, the Knicks now face a critical decision in the second round. Their next opponent will be either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Boston Celtics, depending on the outcome of the winner-take-all Game 7 between those two teams, set for Saturday night at TD Garden. The Knicks’ second-round series will begin on Monday, May 4, with the exact matchups and home-court advantage determined by the result of the 76ers-Celtics clash. If the Celtics defeat the 76ers, the Knicks will travel to Boston as the lower-seeded team. Conversely, a 76ers victory would grant the Knicks home-court advantage in their series against Philadelphia. The Knicks’ second-round schedule has been officially announced, with the following dates and broadcast details: Game 1: May 4, 8 p.m., NBC/Peacock Game 2: May 6, 7 p.m., ESPN Game 3: May 8, 7 p.m., Prime Game 4: May 10, 3:30 p.m.#boston_celtics #new_york_knicks #atlanta_hawks #philadelphia_76ers #nba_playoffs

Joel Embiid scores 33 as 76ers beat Celtics 113-97 in Game 5 to keep their season alive Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid delivered a standout performance in his second return to the court since an emergency appendectomy sidelined him late in the regular season, helping the 76ers avoid elimination in their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. The Sixers’ center scored 33 points in a 113-97 victory over the Celtics in Game 5 on Tuesday night, keeping their season alive as they head to Game 6 in Philadelphia. Embiid, who had struggled with just two points in the first quarter on 1-of-6 shooting, dominated the second half, scoring 13 in the second, 10 in the third, and eight in the fourth. His performance was pivotal as the 76ers mounted a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to turn a three-point lead into a 15-point advantage. Tyrese Maxey, who contributed 25 points and 10 rebounds, praised Embiid’s impact, calling him “dominant” in the second half and highlighting his ability to “insert himself” in critical moments. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 24 points and 16 rebounds, held a 13-point lead early in the third quarter but saw the 76ers rally within a basket twice. Philadelphia’s 15-3 run in the third quarter brought them within one point of Boston, setting the stage for a decisive fourth quarter. Paul George added 16 points and nine rebounds for the 76ers, who had fallen behind 3-1 in the series after losing Games 3 and 4 at home. The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown acknowledged the challenge of containing Embiid, stating, “He had too many easy baskets. We’ve got to make him work.” Brown scored 22 points for Boston, which will try to eliminate the 76ers in Game 6 on Thursday night. If necessary, Game 7 would return to Boston on Saturday. The series context was shaped by the 76ers’ recent struggles.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid #76ers

Jayson Tatum injury: Celtics confirm star's status for Game 7 Jayson Tatum will be available for Game 7 against the 76ers, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed. Mazzulla stated during a conference call that Tatum would play in the winner-take-all matchup. Hours later, the Celtics announced they had “no injuries to report” ahead of the game at TD Garden. Tatum dealt with stiffness in his left leg during Game 6, which took place in Philadelphia. Footage from the Peacock broadcast showed him massaging his calf during a second-quarter timeout. He briefly exited the court toward the locker room in the third quarter but returned to the game. The injury was not the same leg that Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in during the 2025 season. Tatum checked out of the game with four minutes remaining in the third quarter and did not return. Mazzulla pulled the team’s starters early in the fourth quarter and played the final 10 minutes with bench players. Tatum finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three turnovers while playing 29 minutes, his lowest total in a game since March 10. He had logged at least 39 minutes in three of the first five games of the first-round series, including a season-high 42 minutes in Game 3. Tatum downplayed the issue, stating he “wasn’t overly concerned.” He described the stiffness as a minor issue and noted that the game was “a little out of reach” when he left the court. Mazzulla confirmed the team had no concerns about Tatum’s leg and expected him to be fine. The Celtics have had their full roster available for every game in the postseason. Tatum, who made his season debut on March 6, averaged 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over the first six playoff games, shooting 47.5% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #joe_mazzulla #td_garden #76ers

Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum Out for Game 7 vs. 76ers Due to Left Knee Stiffness Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been ruled out for Game 7 of the first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers after experiencing left knee stiffness. The decision comes as the Celtics face a critical moment in the series, having dropped two consecutive games after holding a 3-1 lead. Tatum’s absence will leave the team without one of its key players in a decisive matchup at TD Garden. Tatum, who sat out the entire fourth quarter of Game 6, was listed as “questionable” on the team’s Saturday injury report before being downgraded to “out” hours before the game. While Boston’s coaching staff initially downplayed the injury, Tatum himself described the issue as mere stiffness in his leg. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Tatum assured teammates he was fine and ready to play, but the Celtics ultimately decided to sit him for Game 7. The injury comes after Tatum returned from a season-ending right Achilles tendon tear sustained during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks last May. He made his comeback in March, playing 16 regular-season games for the Celtics, who secured the No. 2 seed in the East despite his absence for much of the 2025-26 campaign. In the playoffs, Tatum has averaged 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field, including 36.5% from beyond the arc. Tatum’s absence in Game 6 raised concerns among fans, particularly in Boston, but the team’s medical staff and coaching staff minimized the injury’s impact. Coach Joe Mazzulla denied that Tatum’s leg issue was an injury, and Tatum himself claimed it was temporary stiffness.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid

Celtics' Jayson Tatum Listed as Questionable for Game 7 vs. 76ers BOSTON -- Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was added to the injury report with left knee soreness just hours before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers, raising concerns about his availability for the decisive matchup. The injury report, released Saturday afternoon, labeled Tatum as questionable, adding tension to a series already steeped in historical significance. The game, set for Sunday, marks the 23rd time the Celtics and 76ers have faced each other in the playoffs—a record for the most playoff meetings between two teams in NBA history. Tatum’s injury situation has been a focal point of the series. During Game 6, he left the Celtics’ 106-93 loss to the 76ers in the third quarter with 4:03 remaining, exiting the game and not returning. Initially, Boston’s coaching staff indicated he would be available to re-enter, but head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to bench the starters early in the fourth quarter. The decision came as the Celtics trailed 88-65 with 10:24 left in the period. Mazzulla explained the move as a strategic shift to "give the game a different feel," emphasizing the team’s depth and the opportunity to let bench players take over. Despite the coach’s reassurances, Tatum’s status remained uncertain. During post-game interviews, both Mazzulla and Tatum downplayed the severity of the injury. Mazzulla stated Tatum "just went to the back and got stretched, got some treatment," while Tatum admitted to feeling stiffness in his leg after exiting the game. He described the situation as a momentary assessment, noting that the Celtics had "a little out of reach" in the game’s context.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #game_7

NBA Playoff Predictions: Friday's Key Game 3s as Lakers, Celtics Seek Road Wins The 2026 NBA playoffs will continue Friday with a triple-header of pivotal Game 3s. The Boston Celtics face the Philadelphia 76ers on the road, the Houston Rockets return to Houston to take on the Los Angeles Lakers, and the San Antonio Spurs travel to Portland to challenge the Portland Trail Blazers. Each matchup carries critical implications for the series, with teams navigating unique challenges and opportunities. The 76ers vs. Celtics series, now tied at one game apiece, will see the Celtics attempt to reclaim homecourt advantage after a 32-point loss in Game 1. The Celtics struggled in Game 2, shooting 13 of 50 (26%) from beyond the arc, the fewest 3-pointers made by a team with 50 or more attempts in NBA playoff history. The 76ers, however, responded with a strong performance, as rookie VJ Edgecombe scored 30 points and the team shot 19 of 39 (48.7%) from 3-point range. The Celtics will be motivated to reverse their early series deficit, while the 76ers aim to maintain their momentum. The prediction for this game is Celtics -7.5. The Rockets vs. Lakers series faces a daunting challenge for the Rockets. After dropping the first two games despite Kevin Durant’s return, Houston now returns to Houston for Game 3 with Durant sidelined due to an ankle injury and Austin Reaves listed as questionable after an oblique injury. The Rockets’ offensive struggles are evident in their 39/29/72.7 shooting splits for the series. Historically, no team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit in the playoffs, and the Rockets’ lack of offensive creativity and reliance on Luke Kennard’s inconsistent scoring make a comeback highly improbable. The prediction for this game is Lakers +9.5. The Spurs vs.#boston_celtics #los_angeles_lakers #philadelphia_76ers #houston_rockets #nba_playoffs

Tyrese Maxey’s latest playoff outburst made improbable Game 2 win possible BOSTON — Tyrese Maxey’s clutch performance in the fourth quarter of Game 2 propelled the Philadelphia 76ers to a 111-97 victory, sending the first-round playoff series back to Philadelphia tied at one game apiece. The 25-year-old guard scored 12 of his 29 points in the final six minutes, including two critical three-pointers, to secure the win against the Boston Celtics. The result marked a dramatic turnaround for the 76ers, who had struggled in Game 1 and appeared to be outmatched in the series. Maxey’s final stretch of play began with a pivotal moment midway through the fourth quarter. After the Celtics cut the 76ers’ lead to two points, Maxey drained consecutive three-pointers from the top of the key. He then walked to the corner of the court, his steely expression signaling his determination to close the game. Boston’s coach, Joe Mazzulla, later acknowledged the intensity of the moment, noting how Maxey’s focus shifted from his rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe to the broader team effort. Edgecombe, who had already delivered a standout performance with 30 points in Game 1, had done his part to set up Maxey’s heroics. By forcing Boston’s defense to prioritize him, Edgecombe freed up Maxey to take over the final stages of the game. The 76ers’ rookie also played a key role in getting Paul George, the veteran wing, involved early in the fourth quarter. This strategic adjustment allowed Maxey to capitalize on the Celtics’ defensive rotations, leading to his 12-point surge in the final six minutes. Maxey’s performance was a continuation of his impressive playoff run. Earlier in the 2022 postseason, he had dazzled with a 38-point game, complementing stars Joel Embiid and James Harden.#boston_celtics #joe_mazzulla #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #vj_edgecombe

11 Milestones to Watch for in 2026 NBA Playoffs The 2026 NBA Playoffs are set to begin, with several key statistical milestones within reach for players and teams. Among the most anticipated are individual achievements for Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and James Harden, as well as team records for the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets. The playoffs will also see the potential for historic moments in three-point shooting, free-throw accuracy, and defensive dominance. Kevin Durant, who recently passed Michael Jordan for fifth on the all-time scoring list, is poised to make further strides in the playoffs. He needs 188 points to surpass Tim Duncan for sixth place in career playoff scoring and 266 points to reclaim fifth spot, which currently belongs to Shaquille O’Neal. Durant’s regular-season performance, which included 319 points in postseasons where his team played at least 10 games, suggests he could reach these targets if the Houston Rockets have a long playoff run. In terms of field goals, Durant is 60 away from passing Karl Malone for seventh place on the all-time list, while he needs 19 more free throws to move past Malone for fourth in that category. LeBron James, meanwhile, is targeting a milestone in three-point shooting. With 480 career playoff 3-pointers, he needs just 32 to surpass Klay Thompson for second place. James last recorded 32 or more 3-pointers in the 2020 playoffs, when he led the Lakers to an NBA title, and a deep run with the Los Angeles Lakers could position him to achieve this goal. James Harden, despite a decline in scoring efficiency compared to his Houston days, remains a threat to move up the all-time playoff scoring list.#boston_celtics #lebron_james #james_harden #kevin_durant #nba_playoffs

NBA Injury Updates: Curry, Brown, Green, and Others Miss Key Games The Golden State Warriors have ruled out star guard Stephen Curry for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Curry, who returned earlier this week from a knee injury after sitting out for over two months, will be held out of the game as the team takes a cautious approach with its leading scorer and most valuable player. The decision means Curry will miss the matchup against the Lakers, though he is expected to return for Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. This absence also ensures that Curry and Lakers star LeBron James will not face each other during the 2025 season. James missed their first meeting in the fall due to sciatica, and Curry missed the subsequent two games as a result of his knee injury. Additional injury updates from across the NBA include the Boston Celtics, who are still in the race for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they will not be at full strength for their Thursday game against the New York Knicks. Star wing Jaylen Brown is sidelined with a left Achilles tendinitis injury, as confirmed by the team. The Celtics will face a back-to-back set, but it remains unclear whether Brown will be available for Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Jalen Green, the former No. 2 overall pick for the Houston Rockets, suffered a right leg injury early in the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. Green did not return to the game, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The injury occurred during a critical moment in the matchup, and Green wore a sleeve at halftime before being ruled out. Fellow Suns guard Jordan Goodwin also exited Wednesday’s game due to a left ankle injury sustained in the second quarter.#boston_celtics #lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #golden_state_warriors #stephen_curry

Celtics at Knicks preview: Can Boston lock up the No. 2 seed? The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are set to clash in a high-stakes matchup at Madison Square Garden as the regular season approaches its final stretch. The game, scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (Amazon Prime), carries significant implications for playoff positioning, with the Celtics needing just one more win or a Knicks loss to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, meanwhile, remain in contention for the second spot but are also locked in a tight race with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third and fourth seeds. This matchup holds added significance for Boston’s star player, Jayson Tatum, who will make his return to Madison Square Garden after a traumatic playoff encounter last season. In a road game against the Knicks, Tatum suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, an injury that sidelined him for nearly six months. The Celtics’ forward, now back in action, has been a key contributor to Boston’s success this season, averaging 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 15 games since his return. Boston has maintained a strong record in those contests, posting a 13-2 mark. Tatum’s return to the Garden has not been without emotional weight. When asked about the significance of the game, he admitted, “Yeah, I’ve thought about it. I’m not thrilled to go back and play there. Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me.” Despite the lingering discomfort, Tatum has chosen to face the Knicks head-on, stating, “Obviously, I knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there again. I decided to come back and play, so I’m not necessarily skipping certain games.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #jalen_brunson