NBA Play-In: Boston Celtics Game 1 Playoff Schedule Announced

The NBA has set two dates that will determine the Boston Celtics’ opening-round opponent. The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime.

The winner of that April 15 matchup will travel to Boston for the Celtics’ first-round Game 1. The Magic could have hosted the game as the seventh seed, but Philadelphia moved ahead after late results.

Play-in scenarios and dates

In the NBA Play-In: Boston Celtics Game 1 Playoff Schedule Announced notice, the league clarified the path forward. If the Magic lose, they still have a chance by facing the winner of the 9/10 game between Miami and Charlotte.

The victor of that follow-up play-in will then meet the Detroit Pistons for a spot in the first round. The full first-round schedule will be released later in the week.

Game 1 timing and TV windows

The Celtics will open their Sunday slate on April 19 at 1 p.m., hosting the seventh seed in Boston. Game 1 between Boston and either Philadelphia or Orlando will air on ABC.

The playoffs begin the day before, with the Toronto Raptors facing the Cleveland Cavaliers at 1 p.m. on Prime. Additional Game 1 times for the weekend were provided alongside the play-in dates.

Celtics’ form and player notes

Boston enters the postseason having secured their 56th win of the regular season. They achieved that milestone while resting eight regular contributors in the finale against Orlando.

Baylor Scheierman recorded a career-high 30 points in that contest. He said the team is proud of the effort and focused on playoff preparation.

Broadcasting changes

This season marks the first time every postseason game will air only on national platforms. Local broadcasts will be absent from the playoff slate.

The Magic-Celtics regular-season finale was the last NBC Sports Boston telecast until next season. Fans should plan to use national broadcasters for all playoff coverage.