Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was in Dallas to observe the action as the Boston Celtics faced the prospect of winning the 2024 NBA Finals with a sweep over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

Embiid was a surprise guest on NBA Countdown, joining the presenters alongside Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George, approximately 20 minutes prior to the game’s commencement.

As is customary, Embiid disclosed his candid assessment of the Celtics’ prospects for an NBA Finals triumph when inquired about his sentiments toward them.

“I can’t stand them,” said the Sixers center. “I can’t stand them, I hate Boston. Great city, great fans, obviously they got some great players, but it hurts me a lot. So, hopefully, this offseason we find a way to get better, add some pieces.”

Given that the Sixers and the Celtics are Atlantic Division adversaries, it is unsurprising that a homegrown Sixers star is not fond of the prospect of the Celtics winning the championship trophy.

But Embiid has also been forthright in the past regarding the Celtics, who have had the Sixers’ number since Embiid became the face of Philly’s hoops team.

The Celtics have encountered Embiid and the Sixers in the postseason on two separate occasions over the past four years. The Celtics dominated the 76ers in the first round of their 2020 series, resulting in a sweep.

In the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the previous year, the two teams engaged in a seven-game series. Despite the Sixers’ 3-2 advantage in Game 6, they were defeated 95-86. The Sixers were unable to respond to the Celtics when they visited Boston for Game 7.

The Sixers observed the Celtics lose to the Miami Heat, who subsequently faced the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, after they had advanced to the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals by defeating Boston.

This year, the Celtics dominated the regular season, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals once more, and defeated the Indiana Pacers to secure their spot in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Celtics have a comfortable 3-1 advantage over Dallas ahead of Game 5, which takes place on Monday, despite their inability to seal the deal on Friday, as they lost Game 4 on the road.

Embiid and the Sixers will soon have the opportunity to witness their opponents hoist a championship banner.