Celtics Mailbag: Could Brad Stevens make big changes if 76ers pull off upset?

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Celtics Mailbag: Could Brad Stevens make big changes if 76ers pull off upset?

Brian Robb · MassLive

Fri, May 1, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The Celtics suddenly find themselves on the verge of a historic collapse in their first-round series against the 76ers after two straight losses. Boston has not lost three straight games this year since the opening three contests of the regular season but now they must snap out of their funk to keep their playoff dreams alive. Let’s examine some big picture questions about this group and the postseason at large in this week’s mailbag.

Besides the Celtics-Sixers series, what other crazy surprises have really struck a nerve with you about the NBA playoffs? — Ed

The Magic turnaround is remarkable to me. That team looked dead in the water in Game 82 in Boston and didn’t show much in their first play-in game either against the Sixers. For them to turn things around like that after a regular season of turmoil would account for one of the more unexpected upsets in recent NBA history.

Marcus Smart ’s reemergence probably stands out next, in my mind. The Lakers looked like they were toast when Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves both went down for the start of the postseason. Smart has bailed them out with a couple of his best ever postseason games, putting them in position to pull off an unlikely upset.

Brian,

Throughout each season, we pay a lot of attention to standings and record. The goal is to host as many playoff games as possible once the postseason starts.

However, since 2020, the Celtics have been a mediocre – at best – team at home (29-24), with the exception of the 2024 championship season (9-2). Remove that season, and they have generally been dreadful at home. In contrast, over that same period of time, they’ve been dominant on the road (32-16).

The players constantly talk about how great the home crowd is. However, it’s clear that, if anything, playing in Boston on the parquet is now a disadvantage for the Celtics in the playoffs. Why?

Sean

Seattle, WA

It’s something that the players haven’t had the answer to in past years when we’ve peppered them with questions about it. However, it’s fair to wonder whether this team lets their guard down a little bit or just doesn’t bring a sense of urgency as much barring must-win situations at home.

Part of it feels like they are prone to taking more 3-point attempts at home in the postseason or simply go for “home run” shots. That’s a dangerous game to play when the stakes are this high but it’s something the team has been guilty of for a couple times every postseason it feels like in the Tatum/Brown era. The ultimate test now is coming at home for Game 7 on Saturday. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both having winning records for their career in these spots but their last Game 7 at TD Garden went quite poorly (Heat in 2023).

Hey B-Robb,

Got an NBA question. With the four eastern conference series going at least 6, does this help or hurt how people view the east? In the west it looks like OKC and San Antonio will lead the pack but in the east it feels like everybody is more on an even level. — John L

Good question John. I think it’s a knock against the East having top-tier contenders. The Knicks winning three straight games against the Hawks including a Game 6 massacre may help their standing on that front but they look like a team that can be exposed in the right matchup. The Celtics obviously look vulnerable in their frontcourt against legitimate bigs like Joel Embiid . The Pistons’ struggles also validates that they looked like more of a regular season paper tiger that had some offensive issues that could be exposed in the playoffs.

To your point, there are better bottom-tier playoff teams in the East (Sixers and Magic have a lot more talent than Suns and Blazers) but the top-tier teams in the West look like they are a major cut above the likes of the Celtics, Knicks and Cavs based on how the first round has played out.

Do the Celtics re-sign Vuc, and if so, at what price? Also, does Brad try and move DWhite while the value is still there? Can Harper/Walsh/Baylor move into that spot? — Charlie G

It all depends on the alternatives at center in my mind. If Vucevic is willing to come back for something close to the minimum, could certainly see it happening. However, Boston should be looking to upgrade that center spot and have some trade chips and the mid-level exception to hit the open market with. They definitely do miss Al Horford as a security blanket against Joel Embiid in this series.

Elsewhere, White’s value has certainly taken a hit with his shooting woes not only in this series but all year long. There would be plenty of suitors for him if he’s made available but the Celtics won’t be getting close to the type of haul that they could have gotten last season. A smaller move (Hauser?) could help trim salary for cheaper replacements if an expensive center is brought in. However, a bigger move would need to be on the table if this team goes out in ugly fashion in Game 7.

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