Celtics Rout Embiid-less Sixers in Playoff Opener to Take Series Lead

53 articles · Updated · Liberty Ballers · Apr 19

The Boston Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series, winning comfortably at TD Garden.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with a strong first half, while the Sixers struggled offensively and played without injured star Joel Embiid.
The Celtics, at full strength and heavy favourites, now hold a 1-0 series lead, continuing their historical playoff dominance over Philadelphia.

With Joel Embiid sidelined, can Tyrese Maxey single-handedly steal a playoff game from the heavily favored Celtics?

Boston rebuilt its roster and dominated. Is this new-look team actually better equipped for a deep playoff run?

Can Philadelphia's clutch defense overcome its glaring rebounding weakness to make this series competitive?

Jayson Tatum missed every regular season game vs. Philly. Is his health the biggest X-factor in this series?

From Nigeria to the NBA playoffs, can rookie Adem Bona solve Philadelphia's massive center problem against Boston?

The 76ers haven't beaten Boston in the playoffs since 1982. Is this the NBA's most one-sided historic rivalry?