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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers pumps up the crowd during the first half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics know exactly what’s at stake in Game 6. What they’re still trying to solve is how to slow down Joel Embiid.

After watching Embiid dominate in his return from surgery, Boston enters Thursday night’s win-or-go-home matchup with a renewed defensive focus — and a clear plan, at least in theory.

“We’ve got to make it harder on him earlier,” Nikola Vucevic told reporters following shootaround. “Make the catch tougher, push him further away from the basket, and put more resistance on that first and second dribble.”

Celtics Look to Disrupt Embiid Earlier in Possessions

The adjustment comes after Embiid carved up Boston’s interior defense in Game 5, finishing with 33 points to power the Philadelphia 76ers to a 113-97 victory that extended the series.

Less than three weeks removed from an emergency appendectomy, the former MVP showed little rust in his second game back. After a slow start, Embiid found his rhythm and dictated the game’s tempo, especially in the second half.

“He was dominant,” said Tyrese Maxey, who added 25 points and 10 rebounds. “That’s the dominance you expect in a playoff game.”

For Boston, the problem wasn’t just Embiid’s scoring — it was how easily he got to his spots.

“I think he was just getting to his spots too easy,” Vucevic said. “If he gets into the paint on that first or second dribble, it’s hard to help that quickly.”

Numbers Show Celtics’ Defensive Struggles

The matchup data reflects the challenge.

Embiid shot 5-for-6 against Vucevic and 5-for-11 against Neemias Queta in Game 5, exposing Boston’s lack of a consistent answer in the middle.

Even when the Celtics tried to mix coverages, the results were largely the same — Embiid either scored efficiently or created opportunities for teammates.

Through two games in the series, Embiid is averaging 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists while logging more than 36 minutes per contest.

Despite still being listed as probable due to an abdominal issue, his impact has been undeniable.

Celtics Emphasize Physicality, Discipline

Boston’s approach heading into Game 6 centers on disrupting Embiid before he can establish position.

That means denying entry passes, forcing him to operate further from the rim, and committing earlier defensive pressure.

“We’ve got to make him work,” Jaylen Brown said after Game 5. “He got a bunch of easy baskets, and that fueled everything.”

The Celtics also recognize the importance of avoiding breakdowns once Embiid gets the ball.

“If he’s catching it deep and getting downhill right away, there’s not much you can do,” Vucevic added. “We’ve got to take that away.”

Series Returns to Philadelphia With Stakes Rising

The loss in Game 5 trimmed Boston’s series lead to 3-2 and shifted momentum back to Philadelphia.

Game 6 will be played on the road, where the Sixers will have a chance to even the series and force a decisive Game 7.

For the Celtics, the margin for error has narrowed considerably.

“When you have empty possessions and you’re not getting stops, it’s frustrating,” coach Joe Mazzulla said. “We’ve got to be better on both ends.”

Boston still holds the advantage — but if Embiid continues to find space as easily as he did in Game 5, that edge could disappear quickly.

The Celtics believe they have a plan.

Now they have to prove it works.