With the seeding games coming to a close it is time to start gearing up for the playoffs. The Sixers' spot in the playoffs was locked in yesterday as they find themselves as the sixth seed in the East. They will be facing off against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the postseason. The schedule for their series has been released and will kick off on Monday. 

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#6 Sixers vs. #3 Celtics schedule (All Games on 97.3 ESPN)

Game one: Monday, August 17th, 6:30 p.m. (97.3 ESPN)

Game two: Wednesday, August 19th, 6:30 p.m. (97.3 ESPN)

Game three: Friday, August 21st, 6:30 p.m. (97.3 ESPN)

Game four: Sunday, August 23rd, 1:00 p.m. (97.3 ESPN)

Game five: Tuesday, August 25th, TBD (97.3 ESPN)

Game six: Thursday, August 27th, TBD (97.3 ESPN)

Game seven: Saturday, August 29th, TBD (97.3 ESPN)

The Sixers are going to have their hands full in this series, but they shouldn't be counted out yet. Boston was one team the Sixers handled nicely this season, winning the season series 3-1. Hopefully, that should provide confidence heading into their playoff matchup. 

Joel Embiid is arguably the biggest X-factor for the Sixers as they prepare for their old rival. Boston's play is centered heavily around their wing players and that lack size in the frontcourt. With that being said, it should lead to a dominant series from Embiid. The Sixers' All-Star center punished teams in the bubble when they small on his, and it is something they should continue to do this in the playoffs. 

Brad Stevens and the Celtics are going to be no easy task when the bright lights of the playoffs come on. But even without Ben Simmons, the Sixers still stand a chance to pull off an underdog upset. 

Kevin McCormick is the 76ers insider for 97.3 ESPN and 76ers editor for Sportstalkphilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinMcC973.

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