The Boston Celtics lost game one against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second-round playoffs even though the 76ers were missing their best player, Joel Embiid, due to a sprained right knee. Embiid is still unlikely to play in game two, but the Celtics must not allow the MVP-less opponent to gain an advantage over them again. The Celtics have a tendency to relax and not lock in when their opponent is undermanned, a trait that could make or break their playoffs. The Celtics must remain focussed even if their opponents are handicapped.
The Sixers have swiped home-court advantage and bought Embiid, his knee, and their training staff more recovery time before they’ll face anything approaching a must-win game. Embiid’s right knee sprain is a yellow light, maybe even a red one for the Sixers. However, nobody seems willing to suggest Philadelphia is a better team without Embiid or can win the series. There’s just too much missing at both ends of the court when he’s not on it.
Throughout the season, coach Joe Mazzulla’s crew has shown a tendency to relax or at least not lock in when its opponent is undermanned. At one point or another, the Celtics faced the Cleveland Cavaliers without Darius Garland, Denver without Jamal Murray, Oklahoma City without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Miami without Jimmy Butler, Phoenix without Devin Booker, New York without Jalen Bruson, and Washington without Bradley Beal – losing all of those games. Boston must remain aware that the more they blow their chances, the more they expose their players to injuries or mishaps.
In summary, the Boston Celtics lost the first game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second-round playoffs even though the 76ers were missing their MVP Joel Embiid due to a sprained right knee. The Celtics must stay focussed, and they must not allow any further advantages to their opponents even if they are handicapped. Boston is setting itself up for a must-win game, but the more the team blows their chances, the more they expose their players to injuries or mishaps. The Sixers will get Embiid back, but nobody thinks Philadelphia is a better team without their MVP.
