The Celtics looked like they were cruising to the second round after a dominant 32-point road win in Game 4 against the 76ers. But Philadelphia has stormed back with convincing victories in Game 5 and Game 6, putting Boston—once considered a favorite to emerge from the Eastern Conference—on the verge of a stunning collapse.

Saturday's Game 7 in Boston carries enormous stakes for the No. 2 seed Celtics. A loss would mark their earliest playoff exit since the 2020-21 season, a bitter end for a team that had championship aspirations.

Adding to the drama, star forward Jayson Tatum is dealing with a new concern. He briefly left Game 6 in the third quarter for treatment on what appeared to be a left calf injury. Tatum, remember, is just 22 games removed from the torn right Achilles tendon he suffered during last season's playoffs. He downplayed the issue afterward, saying his leg felt "a little stiff" and that he didn't return because the game was already out of hand. Coach Joe Mazzulla insisted there was no injury at all, reiterating that stance on Friday.

For Philadelphia, the history of winner-take-all games is a heavy weight. The Flyers are the last Philadelphia sports team to win a Game 7—ironically, against Boston in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals. Since then, the 76ers have lost Game 7s in 2012, 2019, 2021, and 2023. The Flyers dropped decisive games in 2014 and 2020, and the Phillies lost Game 7 of the NLCS in 2023.

The Celtics have owned the 76ers in the playoffs, winning their last six series. Philadelphia hasn't eliminated Boston since the 1982 Eastern Conference semifinals. "I've been playing these guys for so long," 76ers star Joel Embiid said. "I'm tired of losing to them. We have a chance to accomplish something special."