The 2026 NBA Playoffs are rapidly approaching, and teams are now fighting for postseason positions. Looking at the Western Conference, teams have yet to secure their playoff spots, as the top six are still fighting for placement.
Meanwhile, it looks like two teams have already guaranteed their spots in the Eastern Conference. One of them is the Boston Celtics, who have set a record this season for simply making it to the playoffs.
Boston Celtics Hold the Longest Active NBA Playoff Streak
The Celtics took on the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, winning 114-99. After beating their Eastern Conference rival, the Celtics secured their 50th win of the season. They are heading into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
According to sources, this is the 12th consecutive season the Celtics are headed to the playoffs. This accomplishment now sets the record for the longest active streak in the NBA today. They are two consecutive appearances away from tying their streak from 1980 to 1993, when they made 14 straight playoff appearances.
“The Celtics are heading to the playoffs ☘️,” SportsCenter reported on X. “That’s 12-straight seasons that Boston has made the playoffs, the longest active streak in the NBA.”
The Celtics are heading to the playoffs ☘️
That’s 12-straight seasons that Boston has made the playoffs, the longest active streak in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/ohWTBKXXRj
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 30, 2026
The NBA record for the most consecutive seasons reaching the playoffs is 22. The record is currently held by the Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. The Sixers notched the record from 1950 to 1971. It began when the team was known as the Syracuse Nationals before becoming the 76ers in 1963.
As for the Spurs, they tied the record for consecutive playoff appearances from 1998 to 2019.
It will be interesting to see how the Celtics perform with Jayson Tatum back in the lineup. In the 11 games Tatum has played since his return, he’s averaged 20.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
READ MORE: Magic Johnson Compares Braylon Mullins to Stephen Curry After UConn Star’s ‘Clutch’ Dagger vs. Duke
While Tatum’s numbers aren’t necessarily bad, his offensive production is significantly lower than in previous seasons, clearly showing signs of adjustment. Tatum’s adjustment could be a detrimental factor in why the Celtics might fail to reach the Finals again this year.
Jaylen Brown has proven to be an effective leader for Boston all season. Brown is averaging 28.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.0 steals.
As long as Brown continues to play the way he has throughout the regular season, the Celtics might manage despite Tatum’s adjustment period.
