After being examined by crew docs, Sixers middle Joel Embiid was unable to observe on Saturday and is taken into account “doubtful for at least Game 1” in opposition to Boston on Monday evening, head coach Doc Rivers informed reporters, together with Rich Hofmann of The Athletic.
Rivers stated the crew was hopeful Embiid would be capable to take part in Saturday’s observe, however he was unable to. Embiid might want to get some observe time in earlier than being cleared to return, Rivers added.
The star large man sprained his proper knee final Thursday throughout Game 3 of Philadelphia’s first-round collection versus Brooklyn. He missed Game 4, however the Sixers received with out him to finish their sweep of the Nets.
Initial stories indicated that the Sixers had been optimistic about Embiid’s harm — a sprained LCL — and possibilities to return sooner moderately than later. However, following Game 4 final Saturday, Rivers stated the chances of Embiid returning for Game 1 had been “probably 50 percent, at best.”
Obviously, enjoying with out Embiid for any size of time in opposition to the Celtics will negatively affect Philadelphia’s probabilities of profitable the collection. If he is ready to return in some unspecified time in the future, he’s anticipated to put on a knee brace to assist stabilize the joint.
If Embiid does miss Game 1, Paul Reed is the most definitely candidate to start out in his place, with fellow large males like Dewayne Dedmon and Montrezl Harrell among the many different choices for minutes within the center.
After ending because the MVP runner-up every of the previous two seasons, Embiid is taken into account the front-runner for the common season award in 2022-23. He averaged a league-high 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG and 1.7 BPG on .548/.330/.857 capturing in 66 video games (34.6 MPG) this season.
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