76ers vs. Celtics: Joel Embiid’s Game 2 Playing Status

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to get a significant boost on Wednesday night when they take on the Boston Celtics for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

After initially being listed as doubtful, Sixers center Joel Embiid is expected to make his return to the floor, barring any unexpected setbacks, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Lately, Embiid’s been battling a sprained knee. The injury occurred during Philadelphia’s Game 3 battle against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs.

After receiving an MRI following the Sixers’ Game 3 win over the Nets, Embiid was diagnosed with a sprained knee and ruled out for the team’s Game 4 matchup.

Without Embiid, the Sixers completed the sweep over Brooklyn and entered a second-round series with the Celtics. The Sixers hoped that more than a week off would allow Embiid to have enough time to get healthy and return to the court.

Unfortunately for Philly, that wasn’t the case. Embiid was on the Game 1 injury report listed as doubtful. A few hours before the game, the Sixers ruled him out for the night.

In the absence of Embiid, the Sixers started Paul Reed. Despite being down their star big man, the Sixers still found success as James Harden put up a game-high of 45 points, leading the Sixers to a four-point victory.

Sixers head coach Doc Rivers labeled Embiid as doubtful for Game 2 on Tuesday, hours before Embiid collected the MVP award. Shortly after Embiid reacted to his MVP, the star center reportedly told his teammates that he was back.

The following morning, Embiid discussed the idea that he could return in Game 2 during his MVP press conference, which took place at TD Garden following the Sixers’ shootaround.

“It’s a possibility — just like it was a possibility in the first game — I’m going to listen to [the doctors] and see what they have to say,” he explained. “Obviously, I want to play. Everybody knows me, I just love being on the court, and I just love to play. There’s a possibility, and if I got the green light and then we’re going to go head, but like I said, we’re just gonna talk about it. I feel pretty good.”

After getting the opportunity to get a workout in on Tuesday, it seems Embiid’s knee is holding up well. While the Sixers didn’t want to guarantee his playing status too early on Wednesday, Embiid is reportedly set to make his return to the court for the first time since Philly’s Game 3 win in Brooklyn nearly two weeks ago.