Joel Embiid went on ESPN's NBA Finals pregame and promptly trashed the Celtics

The Boston Celtics enter Game 4 of the NBA Finals with a chance to clinch their 18th overall championship and first since 2008.

With a 3-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks in the series, Boston certainly has history on its side. But not everyone is excited about the prospect of a Celtics title, particularly one of the biggest stars in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid went on ABC’s NBA Countdown ahead of Game 4, and when asked for his thoughts on Boston’s likely championship, he didn’t mince words.

“I can’t stand them. I can’t stand them. I hate Boston. Great city, great fans, they’ve got some great players, but it hurts me a lot.”

Joel Embiid on the Boston Celtics (on ESPN's 'NBA Countdown'): "I can't stand them. I can't stand them. I hate Boston… it hurts me a lot." #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/OSQZlrmwqM

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 15, 2024

If the Mavericks are going to avoid disappointing Embiid, it’s going to take a truly special run. No team in the history of the NBA playoffs has ever won a series after falling behind 3-0, and only four have even forced a Game 7 — most recently, Boston in last year’s Eastern Conference finals.

Regardless, it’s clear the dislike for the Celtics is real for Embiid, who is still trying to lead the 76ers to their first title in more than four decades.