Defying expectations, the Boston Celtics have been knocked out of the primary spherical of the playoffs by a resurgent Philadelphia 76ers. A giant purpose for that turnaround was the 76ers‘ star Joel Embiid. The Celtics have nice gamers, however no reply for the Course of. He straight-up took Boston aside.
It is fairly doable that Embiid has the worst luck within the NBA. He is handled numerous accidents in his profession, however the kicker was him needing an appendectomy proper earlier than the 2026 Playoffs began. He ended up lacking the primary three video games of the collection, lastly returning in recreation 4.
By the top of that recreation, the Celtics have been up three video games to 1 with the expectation that they might put the 76ers to mattress. As a substitute, Philly took the following three video games and gained the collection 4 video games to a few. It was solely the 14th time in NBA historical past that occurred within the playoffs.
The Celtics‘ collapse was historic, to not point out an indication that their championship window is probably going closed with this particular roster. Whereas they’ve numerous nice gamers, they merely should not have anybody on the present group to have what it takes to face off in opposition to a man like Embiid.
Embiid has reminded everybody within the NBA who he’s
Frankly, it has been straightforward to overlook precisely how good a basketball participant Embiid might be when he is wholesome. That is largely due to his lengthy damage file. Whereas recreation 4 was a bit tough for him and the 76ers, he got here again in an enormous means within the subsequent three video games and owned the Celtics.
It did not assist that Jayson Tatum was injured and on the bench for recreation seven. Needless to say him being on court docket did not forestall Boston from dropping video games 5 and 6. What the Celtics have been actually missing was an enormous man who may put up any actual protection in opposition to a flexible massive man like Embiid.
With him taking part in, the spacing modified and opened up extra alternatives for Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe to make the most of. Embiid had three double-doubles in 4 video games after his return within the playoffs. Plus, he is thought-about an amazing defender and elite rim protector.
Boston would not have an enormous man like Embiid. They’ve lengthy relied on their three-point capturing to get them by, however that is simply not sufficient anymore. In the event that they wish to keep aggressive, the Celtics are going to want a flexible massive man of their very own, or one other title will stay out of attain.
Observe
