(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadephia 76ers pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory by beating the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Celtics were heavily favored (9.5-point spread) to win that game because of the absence of Philadelphia center Joel Embiid.
According to Shams Charania, Embiid told his teammates that he intends to be on the floor for Game 2.
After winning MVP last night, during a quick 76ers celebration, Joel Embiid turned to the team and said: “I’m back.”
Embiid is indeed on track to return tonight in Game 2 vs. Celtics barring setbacks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2023
Embiid let his teammates know that he was back shortly after being named MVP for the 2022-23 NBA season on Tuesday night.
The Sixers made the most of a vintage James Harden performance to get the win in Game 1, manhandling the Celtics’ defense and getting everything they wanted from the perimeter.
Obviously, the game plan will change a lot with Embiid back on the floor, and that goes for both teams.
The Celtics have historically been Embiid’s kryptonite, with Al Horford serving as an effective defender against the newly-minted MVP.
After being named NBA MVP, there’s a chance Embiid has some extra motivation to go out and deliver in the postseason.
That especially holds true while hearing criticism that Nikola Jokic should have been chosen as MVP instead of the 76ers big man.
Embiid missed the past couple of games with an injured knee, so he might not be 100% when he hits the floor tonight.
The Celtics cannot afford to fall into a 0-2 hole at home before the series heads back to Philadelphia, so they could be extra physical while trying to make a statement in tonight’s matchup.
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