Joel Embiid likely doubtful for Game 1 vs. Celtics

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against Dorian Finney-Smith #28 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers said Saturday afternoon that if he “was a betting man,” superstar center Joel Embiid will be doubtful to play in “at least” Monday’s Game 1 of the titanic Eastern Conference semifinal against the Boston Celtics.

“There is no latest,” Rivers said, following Philadelphia’s practice at the team’s facility. “Obviously, the doctors looked at him, and he didn’t do anything today.

“I’ll say this, but if I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful for at least Game 1. But we’ll see.”

When asked what it will take to get Embiid, who is dealing with a sprained LCL in his right knee suffered in Game 3 of Philadelphia’s first-round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, back on the court, Rivers had a simple response.

“He has to get better,” Rivers said with a wry laugh.

Rivers added that Embiid was able to do nothing in practice.

“Nothing yet,” he said. “Just wasn’t able to. And, obviously, we were hopefull for today.”

Embiid’s injury happened 10 days ago, and when the media was let into practice Saturday afternoon, he — along with P.J. Tucker and others — was not on the court. Embiid sat out Game 4 against the Nets last week, meaning he will have an 11-day break between the last time he played and Game 1 of the East semifinals Monday night at Boston’s TD Garden.

The update from Rivers, though, casts a pall over that game from Philadelphia’s perspective. If the leading candidate to be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player is unable to play in Game 1, the 76ers will then shift their focus to him potentially returning Wednesday in Game 2.

In the meantime, the 76ers are preparing for multiple contingencies. If Embiid is unable to go in Game 1, reserve Paul Reed would likely step into the lineup in Embiid’s place.

“I keep the same mental preparation and physical preparation as I would even if he was playing,” Reed said. “I won’t change up what I’m doing any differently. I keep the same mental focus.”

 

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