The Boston Celtics’ 2026 playoff run is over. The seven-seeded Philadelphia 76ers stunned the second-seeded Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 on Sunday morning AEST, completing one of the biggest upsets in recent NBA Playoff history. Boston, considered legitimate title contenders entering the postseason, are out in Round 1.
Here is what happened in Game 7, what it means for the rest of the 2026 playoffs, and how Australian fans can watch the Knicks vs 76ers Eastern Conference Semifinals series that begins Tuesday May 5.
How the Celtics Lost — Game 7 Recap
The 76ers entered Game 7 in Boston with momentum. After dropping Game 5 in Boston, Philadelphia roared back with a 13-point home win in Game 6 and carried that energy into the decisive Game 7 on the road.
Final score: Philadelphia 76ers 109, Boston Celtics 100
Boston had been the favourite throughout the series and a 2-seed for a reason. But the 76ers’ defensive intensity in Games 6 and 7 proved overwhelming. Philadelphia outscored Boston in three of four quarters in Game 7 and never trailed by more than four points after the first quarter.
For the Celtics, the elimination is shocking. Boston had been one of the title favourites entering the playoffs and held a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 with home court advantage in Game 7. To lose both games — including a Game 7 at home — represents one of the worst playoff collapses by a top-two seed in recent memory.
Series Result — 76ers def. Celtics 4-3
- Game 1: Celtics won
- Game 2: Celtics won
- Game 3: 76ers won
- Game 4: Celtics won 128-96 (blowout)
- Game 5: 76ers won 113-97 in Boston
- Game 6: 76ers won 106-93 in Philadelphia
- Game 7: 76ers won 109-100 in Boston
The 76ers became the first 7-seed to defeat a 2-seed in a Game 7 in the NBA in over a decade.
What’s Next? Knicks vs 76ers Eastern Conference Semifinals
Philadelphia advances to face the New York Knicks in Round 2. The Knicks closed out their Round 1 series with Atlanta on Friday with a stunning 51-point Game 6 demolition (140-89), meaning New York has been resting since while the 76ers ground out a seven-game series.
Rest could be a major factor. The Knicks have had four full days off before Game 1. The 76ers played seven games in 14 days, including back-to-back wins in Boston and Philadelphia in Games 5 and 6 plus the Game 7 in Boston. They will be physically and mentally drained heading into Tuesday morning.
Knicks vs 76ers Schedule (AEST)
| Game | AEST | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 10:00am | Tue May 5 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 2 | 9:00am | Thu May 7 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 3 | 9:00am | Sat May 9 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 4 | TBD | Mon May 11 | TBD |
How to Watch the Knicks vs 76ers Series in Australia
There are four main ways for Australian fans to watch every game:
Kayo Sports
Every Knicks vs 76ers game broadcast on ESPN or ABC will be live on Kayo Sports. From around $35 AUD per month for Kayo Basic. This is the most affordable option for casual fans.
NBA League Pass
Every single playoff game including the entire Knicks vs 76ers series is available on NBA League Pass for Australian fans. The reliable choice for diehards. Around $200-$300 AUD for a full season pass.
ESPN Australia
Same coverage as Kayo, available through Foxtel or Fetch TV bundles.
Prime Video Australia
Selected NBA games are available on Prime Video Australia. Most Round 2 games will be on ESPN/Kayo rather than Prime, but check our live TV Guide for game-by-game broadcaster info.
What the Celtics Elimination Means for the 2026 NBA Playoffs
Boston’s exit reshapes the entire Eastern Conference picture:
- The Knicks’ path opens up. With Boston gone, the Knicks are now arguably the best team remaining in the East and a legitimate Finals contender.
- The 76ers become a Cinderella. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading a 7-seed deep into the playoffs would be one of the best stories of the year.
- Western Conference has the title favourites. With Boston out, betting markets now favour Western Conference teams (OKC, San Antonio, Lakers) for the championship.
Other Round 1 Game 7s This Week
Two more NBA Game 7s remain to set the rest of the East:
- Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic — Game 7 on Monday May 4 at 5:30am AEST (DET 75.6% favourite)
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors — Game 7 on Monday May 4 at 9:30am AEST (CLE 74.6% favourite)
The winners of those Game 7s face each other in the second Eastern Conference Semifinal.
The Celtics’ Offseason Begins
For Boston, attention now turns to the offseason. Expect questions about:
- Coaching decisions and play-calling in Games 6 and 7
- Roster moves with several Celtics players entering free agency
- The future of the team’s championship window
Australian Celtics fans can watch the rest of the 2026 playoffs unfold on Kayo, ESPN Australia, and NBA League Pass — including the Knicks vs 76ers series the Celtics’ elimination set up.
Related Articles
- NBA Round 2 2026 — Schedule, Matchups & How to Watch in Australia
- How to Watch NBA in Australia 2026
- NBA Playoffs 2026 Australia — Full Schedule
For live scores, AEST tipoff times, and broadcaster information for every remaining playoff game, check our live US Sports TV Guide — updated every 60 seconds throughout the playoffs.
Published 3 May 2026. All times AEST (Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane).
