Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers has said that superstar center Joel Embiid is doubtful to play in Monday’s Game 1 against the Boston Celtics as he is dealing with a sprained LCL in his right knee that he suffered in Game 3 of Philadelphia’s first-round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets. Rivers said, “there is no latest,” and Embiid was unable to do anything in practice on Saturday.
Rivers added that Embiid has to “get better,” but with this news, the game from Philadelphia’s perspective is tainted. If Embiid is unable to play in Game 1, the 76ers will shift their focus to him potentially returning Wednesday in Game 2. Reed, an energetic, and bouncy big, is likely to step in and produce for the 76ers once again if Embiid is unable to play in Game 1.
Rivers and Reed said playing the Celtics was the expectation all along, even as Boston gave the Sixers a couple of extra days for them to prepare and Embiid to rest by blowing a big fourth-quarter lead in Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics have playoff experience and depth, which will help them navigate the weeks ahead. Rivers said that the Celtics are a terrific team, well-coached, deep, with a lot of players that can play basketball.
