The 76ers found themselves on the road without the NBA's MVP facing the top team remaining in the Eastern Conference. Hope for a win certainly seemed scant.
Evidently, no one told James Harden that.
The Beard was back to instilling the fear of his Houston days back into opponents as he dropped 45 points on 17-of-30 shooting (7-of-14 from 3), including a late 3 with 8.4 seconds left to lead the 76ers to the 119-115 win.
"We didn't come into the game expecting to lose. We came in here to win," Harden said, per the Associated Press. "Whether Jo comes back or not, we're going to be ready to go."
Of course, "whether Jo comes back or not" is still on everyone's mind. The 76ers were still out-rebounded 38-28 by the Celtics in Game 1 and out-scored in the paint 66-42. They found success running the offense through their guards in Harden and Tyrese Maxey, but would that be enough in a second game without Embiid to head to Philadelphia with a chance to end the series at home in Game 4?
Getting Embiid back would be a major boon for a team looking to snap a run of 21 straight years without advancing past the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Philadelphia has lost in the second round in four of the past five seasons.
Here's all the information you need to watch Wednesday's game, including time, TV channel and the latest updates on Embiid's status for the game.
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Is Joel Embiid playing vs. Celtics tonight?
Embiid has been cleared to play for the 76ers in Game 2.
NBA MVP Joel Embiid has been fully cleared to make his 76ers return tonight vs. Boston in Game 2. https://t.co/QRbA7bUi9s
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2023
Embiid will assume his spot in the starting lineup, sending reserve big man Paul Reed back to the bench.
Embiid sprained his right LCL during Game 3 of the first-round clash with Brooklyn when he tried to defend a drive from the Nets' Cameron Johnson. Embiid finished the game but had been ruled out of each game since the contest until Game 2 of the East Semifinals.
What time is Celtics vs. 76ers today?
- Date: Wednesday, May 3
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
Game 2 of Celtics vs. 76ers will officially begin just after 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 3, from the TD Garden in Boston.
MORE: James Harden makes confident claim after Game 1
What channel is Celtics vs. 76ers on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV
NBA fans can find Wednesday's Game 2 clash between Boston and Philadelphia on TNT. There will also be the option for U.S. fans to stream it on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Celtics vs. 76ers odds
In spite of Philadelphia's Game 1 win, the Celtics once again open as major favorites over the visiting 76ers.
| Celtics | 76ers | |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -9.5 | +9.5 |
| Moneyline | -550 | +400 |
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Celtics vs. 76ers schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the second-round series between Boston and Philadelphia, including start times and TV channels for each game.
| Date | Game | Time (ET)/Score | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Game 1 | 76ers 119, Celtics 115 | TNT |
| May 3 | Game 2 | 8 p.m. at Celtics | TNT |
| May 5 | Game 3 | 7:30 p.m. at 76ers | ESPN |
| May 7 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. at 76ers | ESPN |
| May 9 | Game 5* | TBD at Celtics | TNT |
| May 11 | Game 6* | TBD at 76ers | ESPN |
| May 14 | Game 7* | TBD at Celtics | TBD |
*If necessary
