Joe Mazzulla explains how Celtics can counter return of Joel Embiid
USA Today
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Joel Embiid, the star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, significantly impacted the team's outlook entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics. His absence, due to injury, presented a considerable challenge for the 76ers. The team's performance and their ability to advance in the playoffs were heavily scrutinized and dependent on how they would adapt to playing without their leading scorer and center.
- The Philadelphia 76ers faced a critical juncture in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with their first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics. A key factor defining the series was the availability of Joel Embiid, the team's dominant center and star player. Embiid was declared sidelined for the initial games of the series, a development that immediately altered the competitive landscape. His absence was not just a physical one; it represented a significant strategic and psychological blow to the 76ers. The team's ability to perform and contend for advancement without their MVP candidate became the central narrative. This situation placed immense pressure on other players to step up and contribute at a higher level, requiring adjustments in offensive and defensive schemes. The Celtics, in turn, were positioned to potentially exploit this weakness, aiming to gain an early advantage in the best-of-seven series. The initial games were expected to reveal the 76ers' resilience and their capacity to compete effectively even without their franchise cornerstone.
