Sixers' Joel Embiid says referees '[expletive] suck' after Celtics loss

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid could see a fine from the league office after saying referees "[expletive] suck" after a loss to the Boston Celtics.

Embiid made the comment at the end of his news conference after the 112-109 setback Tuesday at the Wells-Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The All-Star center had 23 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

The 7-footer was speaking at the news conference alongside Tobias Harris. The duo fielded several questions before Embiid left reporters with some parting words.

"The referees [expletive] suck," he said, before walking away.

Embiid had five fouls in the loss, but was likely talking about the lack of a call against Al Hortford, who was guarding him in the final minute. Embiid backed Hortford down into the paint on the play before going up with a shot against Hortford's body. The Celtics forward flailed his arms in the air as he deflected the shot, before Embiid stated his case to nearby referees.

Embiid is averaging a career-high 27.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and two blocks per game in 53 starts this season. The two-time All-Star said he expects to play in the Sixers' clash against the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.