PREVIEW: The Boston Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT, with the second-seeded Celtics favored heavily over the seventh-seeded 76ers. Boston's defensive prowess shines through their shot quality metrics, ranking third in the league at limiting rim attacks while boasting efficient transition offense ranked second overall. Without Joel Embiid sidelined by appendectomy surgery, Philadelphia will lean entirely on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to spark their offense from the opening tip. George missed all four regular-season meetings with Boston, though he has been averaging 21 points per game while shooting 41.5 percent from three-point range over his last 10 contests. Philadelphia's defensive approach allows low-quality three-point attempts while their efficient free-throw shooting at 81 percent provides a silver lining, yet they rank 25th in defending the rim. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will spearhead Boston's offensive attack, with the Celtics' ability to unleash multiple perimeter shooters capable of quickly shifting momentum in their favor. The Celtics finished the regular season with a 56-26 record and second-place seed in the East, while the two teams split their season series at 2-2. Embiid's absence will be felt defensively, particularly at the rim, as Philadelphia tries to manufacture enough points despite lacking their centerpiece alongside Maxey and George.