The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics will meet again in one of the NBAâs most familiar playoff rivalries, opening their 23rd postseason series on Sunday. Boston enters the matchup holding a 15-7 edge in previous playoff meetings and begins the first round as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia earned the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament, but the team faces a major challenge in the series. Joel Embiid has already been ruled out for Game 1 as he continues recovering from an appendectomy performed earlier this month.
With Embiid unavailable, the 76ers were forced to make immediate lineup adjustments before tipoff. The decision places added pressure on Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and the rest of Philadelphiaâs supporting cast against one of the conference favorites.
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup Against Boston Celtics Without Joel Embiid
The 76ers confirmed their starting lineup for Game 1, announcing Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul Georg,e and Adem Bona as the opening group.
The lineup alert marked the first clear response to Embiidâs absence and shows how Philadelphia plans to balance scoring, athleticism, and size against Boston.
Maxey remains the focal point of the offense. The 2024 Most Improved Player elevated his game again this season, posting career highs while emerging as one of the NBAâs top pick-and-roll creators. His speed and pull-up shooting will be central to Philadelphiaâs chances.
George gives the 76ers another experienced ball-handler and two-way wing. His ability to create steals and generate transition offense could be important in a series where Philadelphia needs extra possessions.
Oubre adds wing defense and slashing, while rookie Edgecombe earns a major playoff role in the starting five.
Bona steps into the center spot with Embiid sidelined. His assignment becomes even more important against Bostonâs frontcourt rotation and on the defensive glass.
Embiid will miss the opener after undergoing an emergency appendectomy on April 9. He was already ruled out on the NBAâs official injury report heading into Sunday.
His return timeline remains uncertain. Head coach Nick Nurse has not given a firm target date for when the former league MVP could rejoin the lineup.
That leaves Philadelphia needing to compete early in the series without its top interior scorer, rebounder, and defensive anchor.
Tyrese Maxey and Paul George Key to Philadelphia 76ers
GettyPaul George talks to Tyrese Maxey
Without Embiid, the offensive burden shifts heavily to Maxey and George.
Maxey has become one of the leagueâs most dangerous guards in space. Boston used more drop coverage this season, which could create opportunities for Maxey to attack in pick-and-roll situations.
How the Celtics defend him may shape the early part of the series.
Georgeâs role is equally significant. Philadelphia has relied on forcing turnovers and converting those chances into transition points. Georgeâs defensive instincts can help drive that style.
Boston finished the regular season with the fewest turnovers in the NBA, but its turnover rate increased slightly over the final months. If the 76ers can pressure the ball and create mistakes, they may keep games close.
The challenge is clear.
Boston remains deeper and healthier and enters with championship expectations. But Philadelphia still has enough perimeter talent to remain competitive if Maxey controls the pace and George impacts both ends.
The 76ers already proved resilient by advancing through the Play-In Tournament without Embiid. Now they need that same formula on a bigger stage.
For Game 1, the lineup announcement signals Philadelphiaâs immediate strategy: trust speed, spacing, and wing versatility while waiting for Embiidâs possible return later in the series.
Against a rival with title ambitions, the 76ers begin the playoffs short-handed but not without options.
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