Jayson Tatum, Celtics Dominate 76ers in Game 1 as Fans Eye Series Sweep without Joel Embiid

Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a dominant 123-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without former MVP Joel Embiid.

Embiid remained sidelined for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round after undergoing surgery for appendicitis earlier in April, the team announced.

The absence loomed large as the Philadelphia 76ers dropped Game 1 by 32 points behind Tatum's double-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, along with two steals.

Tatum set the tone early, erupting for 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals on 64 percent shooting in the first half, as the Boston Celtics — and their fans — began to eye a potential series sweep.

Brown built on a strong first half, turning a 10-point start into a dominant outing to help power the Boston Celtics to the win.

The guard finished with 26 points on 52 percent shooting, adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals as Boston cruised to a lopsided victory.

The Boston Celtics were efficient offensively, shooting 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from beyond the arc.

All five starters for the Boston Celtics reached double figures, with Sam Hauser adding 12 points, Neemias Queta chipping in 13 and Derrick White finishing with 10. Payton Pritchard also provided a lift off the bench with 12 points.

The Boston Celtics came out firing, opening with a 33-18 first quarter to build a commanding 64-46 halftime lead over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia never found an answer, falling behind by 24 through three quarters as Boston continued to control the tempo.

With the game out of reach, benches cleared early in the fourth as the 76ers waved the white flag and the Celtics cruised to an easy Game 1 win.

The winner of the Celtics-76ers series will advance to face the victor of the No. 3 New York Knicks-No. 6 Atlanta Hawks matchup in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with New York holding a 1-0 series lead.n