On Friday, the Boston Celtics won 114-102 to establish a commanding 2-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers will play host to the Celtics for Game 4 on Sunday, hoping to pull even in the series. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. EDT at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
Injury Update for Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers
The Boston Celtics won 114-102 in Philadelphia on Friday night to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Celtics dominated for the majority of the game, answering every Philadelphia run with a big hoop. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Tatum came into the game fresh off a 7-point performance in Game 2. Joel Embiid’s official acceptance of his MVP trophy inspired him.
Jaylen Brown had 23 points and 7 rebounds, and Al Horford had 17 points.
Smart has been dealing with a chest contusion, a right shoulder stinger, a lip laceration, and now a sprained left ankle in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Despite this, the guard has appeared in each of the first three games against the 76ers, averaging 32.3 minutes per game.
If he is unable to play on Sunday, Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White will likely shoulder more point guard duties, while Payton Pritchard might make the starting lineup.
On a night that Joel Embiid was officially named league MVP, his team was defeated by the Celtics, 114-102.
Embiid delivered a team-high 30 points and 13 rebounds. However, he did not receive much assistance.
James Harden made some big shots late in the game, but he did nothing for the first three quarters. He finished the game with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists. Tyrese Maxey had only 13 points. Both will need to improve in game 4.
Due to a right knee strain, Joel Embiid is questionable for Game 4 on Sunday.
Embiid missed Game 1 of the series due to a knee ailment, but he has participated in the following two. The MVP center played 39 minutes in Game 2 and did not appear limited, so unless he has a relapse, he will most likely play on Sunday.
Injury Report 76ers:
- Joel Embiid (Knee) – Questionable
Injury Report Celtics:
- Marcus Smart (Ankle) – Questionable
- Blake Griffin (Back) – Questionable
- Danilo Gallinari (Knee) – Out
