The Boston Celtics opened their first-round playoff series on Sunday afternoon with a win, and the margin told the story. The Philadelphia 76ers arrived at TD Garden having beaten Orlando in the play-in round, with their fans calling for this matchup. Boston responded with a performance that left little room for debate, winning 123-91 in a game that was settled early. Joel Embiid did not play.
The star center missed Game 1 after undergoing emergency appendectomy surgery earlier this month, leaving the Sixers without one of their most important players. Adem Bona drew the start in his place.
Now, with Game 2 on Tuesday night in Boston, the question hanging over the series has shifted. Everyone knows what the Celtics are capable of. The real unknown is when, or whether, Embiid gets back on the floor.
The Latest on Embiid’s Return Timeline
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Noah Levick, the Sixers confirmed that Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program post-appendectomy.
He will not play in Game 2. That much is settled. But the development suggests a return later in the series is at least possible.
The timeline still carries real uncertainty. Embiid has been unable to do much physically since the surgery, and asking him to step into NBA playoff basketball against one of the league’s best teams after that kind of layoff is a considerable ask.
How his body responds to the conditioning work will determine everything.
What Embiid’s Absence Has Cost Philadelphia
Game 1 illustrated the problem in blunt terms. Without Embiid anchoring the interior, Philadelphia’s frontcourt struggled from the opening tip.
Foul trouble derailed both Bona and Drummond before they could find any rhythm, and Philadelphia had no answer on either end, and the deficit grew before they could establish anything.
Tyrese Maxey put up 21 points but it was not enough to keep Philadelphia competitive. The Celtics built their lead steadily and the game was effectively over before halftime.
Where the Celtics Stand
Boston has the early control of the series. The roster is healthy, the home crowd is locked in, and their stars delivered exactly what the Celtics needed in their playoff return. Jayson Tatum finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 26 points.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday at TD Garden.
Final Word Ahead of Game 2
The Sixers’ update on Embiid is real progress. Strength and conditioning work has begun. There is some optimism, despite no official timeline.
Game 2 is next. The series is just beginning.
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