Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

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The Boston Celtics lead the Philadelphia 76ers 2-1 in their first-round NBA playoff series, setting up a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday at 7 on NBC/Peacock. Key factors include the potential return of Joel Embiid, who missed the first three games recovering from an appendectomy; his absence has significantly impacted the Sixers' efficiency, as they have historically been 17.1 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor during the playoffs.

The series has been decided by 3-point shooting in all three games, with the Celtics shooting better from deep despite taking only 33% of their shots in the paint. Additionally, the Sixers have struggled to generate easy baskets in transition, averaging just 14.7 points per game in the series compared to 25 in regular-season meetings, largely due to the Celtics' low turnover rate of 12.3 per 100 possessions and the Sixers' reduced steal rate of 5.5 per 100 possessions

The Boston Celtics (56-26), who hold a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference first round, will visit the Philadelphia 76ers (45-37) in Philadelphia on Sunday at 7 p.m....