Embiid Scores 27 as Star-Laden 76ers Fall to Celtics in Preseason Finale

Joel Embiid led the Philadelphia 76ers with 27 points and eight rebounds during a 125-120 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics.

The Philadelphia 76ers concluded their preseason with a 125-120 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Center Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 27 points, eight rebounds, and five assists at Xfinity Mobile arena. This performance followed a previous outing against the Brooklyn Nets where Embiid was limited to six points and eight turnovers.

Coach Nick Nurse utilized a starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Embiid, all of whom played preseason highs in minutes. Guard V.J. Edgecombe did not participate in the contest as he was held out for precautionary reasons. Despite the presence of their primary starters well into the second half, the 76ers struggled with spacing and turnovers while facing Celtics reserves.

Following the game, Embiid dismissed the necessity of players taking a "backseat" to accommodate the team's new roster depth. Jaylen Brown noted that the group is still adjusting to a different style of play and working to improve daily rhythm. The 76ers are scheduled to begin the regular season against the New York Knicks on Tuesday.