Celtics and Sixers ready for playoff clash as fans bring the heat

Boston’s TD Garden is always loud, but playoff games crank it up even more. Playing there for five years, Sam Hauser knows how crazy the crowd gets when the Celtics take the floor. Before their first-round matchup with Philadelphia, he made sure to praise the fans. "They bring energy every game, " Hauser said. "In the playoffs, they go beyond just cheering—they turn the arena into a thunderstorm. " The first game tips off Sunday at 1 p. m. , setting the stage for a rivalry that’s been going strong for decades. This won’t be the first time these two teams meet in the postseason. The Celtics and Sixers have faced off 22 times before, with Boston winning the last six series stretching back to 1985. Despite Philly’s strong roster—featuring All-Star Tyrese Maxey and veteran Paul George—they’re missing their biggest star, Joel Embiid, after he underwent surgery. Still, the Sixers aren’t a pushover. They’ve got depth and experience, which could make this first-round series closer than expected.Boston’s lineup has some new faces, but their leaders are no strangers to playoff battles. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White have been here before, knowing what it takes to grind through tough games. That playoff-tested core gives them an edge over teams still learning those high-pressure moments. Their coach understands the challenge too. "Every team we face is tough, " he noted. "We can’t just show up—we have to play at our highest level because they’ll do the same. " History favors Boston, but Philadelphia won’t roll over easily. The Sixers have a history of pushing the Celtics to the limit, even when injuries pile up. This series could reveal just how deep the Celtics’ bench is if Embiid’s absence leaves a gap. With so much on the line, TD Garden’s fans will once again decide whether they’re the X-factor that lifts Boston past the first round.