Joel Embiid-less 76ers look like they stand little chance against Jayson Tatum-led Celtics in Game 1 loss

Tatum's spectacular first half powered the Celtics to a 123-91 win, helping them take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Tatum finished with 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

The Sixers were clearly reeling without their marquee player, center Joel Embiid. The 7-foot, 280-pound big man has missed five straight games because of appendectomy surgery recovery, and it's unclear if/when he will return.

The 76ers need Embiid back as soon as possible. Even if he were healthy, No. 7-seeded Philadelphia was considered an underdog against No. 2-seeded Boston. Without him, the Eastern Conference team's already-slim chances of winning the series decrease significantly. 

Why 76ers could be doomed without Joel Embiid 

There's already a clear gap between the 76ers and Celtics. It becomes even more apparent when Embiid, who ranked second on the team in scoring (26.9 points per game) behind guard Tyrese Maxey (28.3 PPG) during the regular season, isn't playing. 

The Celtics out-rebounded the 76ers, 43-40. Boston also made more three-pointers (16-of-44) than Philadelphia (4-of-23) and had more assists (31-20).

Boston already had a strong chance of reaching the NBA Finals. A healthy Tatum makes the Celtics feel even more overpowered in a thin Eastern Conference. An unhealthy Embiid, meanwhile, makes the 76ers look even more powerless.