The Celtics came into Philadelphia with high hopes as Joel Embiid was out due to a hand injury. In their previous two match ups this season, Embiid had dominated the Celtics, so it was supposedly a big advantage with him off the floor. Philadelphia does not have the front court depth without Embiid. Even as this weighed heavily in Boston’s favor, they could not take advantage.
Even as Embiid was not on the floor, the Celtics still could not contain the Sixers in the post. The Celtics were outscored 50-38 in points in the paint.