76ers-Celtics news: Sixers look to force Game 7; Hall of Famer apologizes to Philly; Joel Embiid updates

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has historically been tough on Philly athletes.

That includes 76ers star Joel Embiid, who has been chronically injured throughout his career. But Embiid has been impressive when available, and Smith asked for compassion for Embiid because of that fact.

"I'm going to ask for compassion, the word compassion when it comes to Joel Embiid," Smith, a former Inquirer columnist, said. "... When Joel Embiid is healthy, before [Victor] Wembenyana came along at 7-foot-5, we looked at Joel Embiid healthy and said this is one of the best big men ever."

The Sixers-Celtics series will end one way or another this week – hopefully Saturday night in Boston if Philly forces a Game 7.

The winner of the series will face either the New York Knicks or Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the playoffs. Here's where things stand in the Eastern Conference:

Knicks lead the Hawks 3-2

It looked a lot like they imagined it would, once upon a time.

Joel Embiid was scoring buckets and drawing crowds.

Tyrese Maxey was zigging and zagging through the resulting alleyways.

A lot of folks thought the 76ers had no chance against the Boston Celtics following their Game 4 loss.

Game 5's upset might not have changed many minds, but at least one Hall of Famer regrets sticking a fork in Philly's chances.

"I have to apologize to the Philadelphia 76ers for thinking the Series was over after Game 4," former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson wrote on social media following the game, praising Joel Embiid for his "dominant" play a few weeks removed from major surgery.

The dancing dial for the 76ers continues, as Game 6 in South Philly jumps back to Peacock, NBC's subscription streaming service.

Thankfully, NBC is also simulcasting the game on the recently-relaunched NBC Sports Network, which is available on Xfinity and YouTubeTV, but not Verizon Fios TV.

Calling the game will be Noah Eagle, who will be joined by analysts Grant Hill and Robbie Hummel. Ashley ShahAhmadi will report from Xfinity Mobile Arena.