April 8, 2026, 7:01 a.m. ET
The Philadelphia 76ers have three games left in this roller coaster of a 2025-26 regular season before the postseason gets underway. The Sixers are currently in a fight to get into the top 6 of the Eastern Conference standings so they can avoid the play-in tournament. Philadelphia would much rather have the week off before Game 1 of Round 1 instead of having to fight to get into the playoffs through the play-in.
With that being said, there are a number of possibilities in terms of playoff opponents for the Sixers. There is much to be decided over the final days of the regular season and the results of the final three games will have a big impact on Philadelphia’s playoff path.
Here are a look at some potential playoff opponents for the Sixers in Round 1:
Detroit Pistons
Scenario: Sixers get No. 8 seed through play-in to face 1 seed Pistons
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The Pistons swept the Sixers in the regular season series, but Joel Embiid did not play in any of those games while Detroit didn’t have Cade Cunningham for two of those games. Therefore, it might be tough to get a read on a potential playoff series between these teams. The Pistons have been dominant all year long and play a physical brand of basketball led by their stout defense. The Sixers would have to find a way to break Tyrese Maxey free from Detroit’s defensive duo of Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II and also hope Embiid is healthy enough to slow down Pistons star Jalen Duren.
As a caveat, the only way the Sixers would see the Pistons is through the play-in. They would have to play two play-in games to earn the No. 8 seed and set up a date in Detroit. Playing two play-in games may play a factor for Embiid and Paul George down the stretch of the season.
Boston Celtics
Scenario: Sixers get No. 7 through play-in to face 2 seed Celtics
Expected to be in something of a “gap year”, the Celtics put together one helluva regular season and now have Jayson Tatum back in the fold. Of course, the Sixers did not see Tatum in any of the four games these two matched up in–the teams split the four games–but Jaylen Brown and Co. gave them problems. This is probably one matchup that Philadelphia do its best should absolutely avoid at this stage. The Celtics have poise, veterans who have been there, done that, and have the core in place from the 2024 title team. On top of that, coach Joe Mazzulla has proven to be a mastermind in a lot of tough scenarios.
New York Knicks
Scenario: Sixers get 6 seed to take on 3 seed Knicks
The Knicks might be Philadelphia’s best shot at advancing to Round 2. While New York is, obviously, a formidable opponent, that series played between the two teams in 2024 was incredibly close and Sixers guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe had a lot of success against New York. Both Maxey and Edgecombe will be tough for the Knicks to really defend and slow down and Embiid should match up well with New York star Karl-Anthony Towns. With that being said, the Knicks can throw Mitchell Robinson at Embiid while Jalen Brunson is one guy who has ice in his veins in crunch time. New York also has guys who can swing games in a playoff series in OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Scenario: Sixers climb to No. 5 to take on 4 seed Cavaliers
This scenario is the least likely option as the Sixers would have to jump the Toronto Raptors and then finish ahead of the Atlanta Hawks in the standings due to the Hawks owning the tiebreaker. With that being said, it’s the NBA. Anything can happen. If the Sixers do end up facing the Cavs, this would be a tough matchup for Philadelphia as Cleveland did sweep the regular season series. Led by playoff riser Donovan Mitchell, future Hall of Famer–and former Sixers star–James Harden, and big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs will be one of the top contenders in the East. Philadelphia would need all hands on deck and some big performances out of the supporting cast to have a shot in this series.
Possible play-in opponents
There are a number of scenarios here as the Sixers can finish anywhere in the play-in. They could take on the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, or the Orlando Magic…or the Hawks or the Raptors could tumble. Again, there is a lot to be sorted out over the final days of the regular season. The Sixers did take two out of three from the Hornets and the Magic so that will be a big help in terms of home court advantage in potential play-in games. The Heat took two out of three from Philadelphia so there is that aspect to consider as well. Either way, the Sixers will need to handle their business and then get some help from other teams down the stretch.