The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics are locked together in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Both teams are inseparable from each other, as both teams are legitimate title contenders. However, only one team can take the lead in the next game between them at the TD Garden. It ought to be a spectacle as both teams possess enough quality to take the lead.
It is going to be a huge headache for the 76ers who are sweating on the injury situation of Joel Embiid. The newly crowned MVP for the 2022-23 season is carrying a knee injury, which could hamper their progress. It is a real problem since the quality of Embiid and Harden has been monumental in their success. With the Celtics having enough firepower on both ends of the court, the Sixers will be having their fingers crossed in light of Embiids injury concern.
Joel Embiid is questionable for the Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics game
The MVP has missed two games for the Sixers in the playoffs until now, with the knee injury being a huge concern. Nonetheless, Embiid has averaged 23.2 points per game for the Sixers and is a key figure in attack. Embiid put up a 34-point performance in a razor-thin win over the Celtics last time out. However, going into tonight’s game he is listed as questionable. However, it being a game-time decision, we can expect that he makes the starting five.
NBA TUESDAY SLATE UPDATE: Joel Embiid is questionable and headlines the early injury report for tomorrow’s #NBA slate on #DraftKings.
For more, check out @dklive throughout the day for the latest news, injuries and updates: https://t.co/z2xTRwaMX2 pic.twitter.com/1HCGouQS4O
— DK Nation (@dklive) May 9, 2023
The Boston Celtics will be playing at home in Game 5, which gives them a slight advantage over the Sixers. They have had injury concerns in the regular season, however, come the playoffs, they are primed and ready. The only player listed on their injury list is Danilo Gallinari, who has been ruled out for Game 5. Let’s take a look at the complete injury report and expected roster of both teams.
Philadelphia 76ers injury report
- Joel Embiid (Questionable)
Philadelphia 76ers expected roster
- Tobias Harris
- P.J. Tucker
- James Harden
- Tyrese Maxey
- Joel Embiid (Questionable)
Boston Celtics injury report
- Danilo Gallinari (Out)
Boston Celtics expected roster
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Al Horford
- Marcus Smart
- Derrick White
The Boston Celtics will be favored to take the lead in the series in Game 5
One thing is for certain, either team can influence a win, as neither team dominated at home. The games between the two have been close, with the Celtics blowing out the Sixers in Game 2 at home. Hence, with the return of the Celtics to their home turf, there is a possibility, that the Celtics might come out victorious. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been tremendous for the Celtics averaging 26.0 and 25.4 points per game.
In the previous game between the two, it was a marginal victory for the Sixers at home 116-115. Harden forced OT only for the Sixers to take the win in Game 4. A slight slip-up from the Sixers in the middle of the 4th quarter gave the Celtics a chance to tie the game. However, we expect the Celtics to win on their home turf and make the most of it.
