Joel Embiid scores 31points but it's not enough for the Sixers

Philadelphia's Sixers are now facing their toughest competition of the season in the Eastern Conference NBA semifinal playoff round and it showed Monday night in Boston. The Celtics knocked off the Sixers 117-101 Monday night and lead the best-of-seven series now 1-0.

The Sixers had won 20 of their last 21 games, including the final 16 games of the regular season, but it didn't matter Monday night.

Philadelphia shot just 42.2 percent from the floor Monday night and were just five of 26 from three-point range. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 31 points and 13 rebounds. Also for Philadelphia, Ben Simmons and J.J Redick had strong games with 26 and 20 points, respectively.

Terry Rozier led Boston with 29 points and drained seven three-pointers in the Celtics' dominating win.

Game two of the series is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time in Boston.