Joel Embiid, 76ers, too much for Celtics in significant game for playoff seeding

The Celtics' slim hopes to land the top seed in the Eastern Conference took a big hit on Tuesday night. In a game with major playoff implications and a potential playoff preview, the Celtics came up short against the Philadelphia 76ers 103-101 at the Wells Fargo Center.

With the loss, the Celtics  fall to 54-25 on the season. While that doesn't eliminate them from catching the Milwaukee Bucks at the top of the conference, the only way they can do so now is to win their final three games of the regular season, while Milwaukee loses its final three games. Behind them, the Sixers now sit three games in third place back with three games to play.

There were a number of chances for the Celtics to take control of this game. While they trailed for the majority of the first three quarters - only grabbing three brief one-point leads early in the first half - they never trailed by double digits.

Entering the fourth quarter the Celtics trailed by five, but that quickly swung to a five point advantage. From there, the Sixers were the better finishing team, closing the game on a 19-13 run.

The Celtics' biggest problem in this game - as has been the case for most of their matchups with the Sixers - was finding a way to stop Joel Embiid. Embiid finished the game with 52 points on 20-of-25 shooting, and added 13 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. Only two other Sixers scored in double figures in the game, with James Harden putting up 20 points and P.J. Tucker 11, including two key three pointers in the final minutes on assists from Embiid.

Derrick White led the Celtics in scoring with 26 points, and also grabbed seven rebounds. His presence was key with Jaylen Brown out due to back pain. Jayson Tatum had 19 points with three steals, and Malcolm Brogdon had 18 points off the bench.

With their playoff seeding pretty much set, the Celtics wrap up the season with a three-game homestand, beginning tomorrow night on the second half of a back-to-back. They'll be taking on the Toronto Raptors, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub BetMGM Celtics Radio Network.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.