The NBA playoffs are heating up, and a classic Eastern Conference rivalry is set to renew. The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a hard-fought 109-97 play-in victory over the Orlando Magic, have earned a first-round showdown with the powerhouse Boston Celtics.

This series is a monumental challenge for the Sixers, who will be without their MVP centerpiece, Joel Embiid, as he recovers from emergency appendix surgery. Facing the Celtics, who finished as the East's number two seed, is a daunting task for any team, let alone one missing its superstar. The intensity begins immediately, with Game 1 tipping off this weekend in Boston.

Here is the full schedule for this highly anticipated first-round series. Mark your calendars and get ready for some high-stakes basketball.

Game 1: Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m. – Sixers at Celtics (ABC)
Game 2: Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. – Sixers at Celtics (Peacock)
Game 3: Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. – Celtics at Sixers (Prime Video)
Game 4: Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. – Celtics at Sixers (NBC, Peacock)

While there is no official timeline, Joel Embiid is considered out indefinitely and is not expected to return before the conclusion of this first-round series. The Sixers will need a collective, heroic effort to overcome the Celtics' depth and talent in his absence. It's time to see what this Philadelphia team is made of.