#Sixers star Paul George on facing the Boston Celtics in Round 1: “We’re playing against winners. We’re playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball. So we respect that. We‘re gonna have to challenge that.”
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 04, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
With a win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers secured a series against the Boston Celtics in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Entering the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Sixers and the Magic held the same 45-37 record. As the Sixers controlled the tie-breaker, they ended up as the home team on Wednesday, which gave the Sixers a clear advantage.
George checked in for 36 minutes against the Magic. The star forward shot 6-16 from the field, 1-6 from three, and 3-4 from the charity stripe to score 16 points.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 09: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers takes a shot during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Along with his scoring, George came down with five rebounds and produced five assists. Defensively, he came up with two steals.
The Sixers sent the Magic into an elimination game with a 109-97 win.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sunday’s action will be the first time Paul George competes in a playoff setting with the 76ers.
The Sixers are taking on a recent champion in the Celtics.
“We’re playing against winners. We’re playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball,” George told reporters on Wednesday night.
“So we respect that. We‘re gonna have to challenge that. They’ve been great for a couple of years now. They are a well-oiled machine over there. They have a great coach, great roster, two studs over there. They have a ton of guys who just know how to play the right way. It’s going to be a challenge. We just got to be ready.”
#Sixers star Paul George on facing the Boston Celtics in Round 1: “We’re playing against winners. We’re playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball. So we respect that. We‘re gonna have to challenge that.”
Historically, the Sixers don’t fare well against Boston in the playoffs. Since 2018, the Celtics have defeated the 76ers in three different playoff series.
When the Sixers signed Paul George to a massive contract, they believed he could help them get over some of their most notable shortcomings. A major test is approaching.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 23: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
The Paul George era is still shaky for the Sixers.
Last season, the veteran star played in 41 games. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
This year, he played in 37 games. The veteran forward produced averages of 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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