76ers: Joel Embiid, James Harden’s Playing Status vs. Nets Game 1

As the 2022-2023 regular season winded down, the Philadelphia 76ers focused on staying as healthy as possible ahead of their inevitable playoff run. During the final month of action, the Sixers dealt with minor setbacks involving their key stars, Joel Embiid and James Harden.

For Embiid, the six-time All-Star center was battling calf tightness during the final weeks of the season. As for Harden, he was struggling with Achilles soreness, which he stated bothered him throughout the last couple of months.

During the final month of the season, Embiid missed just three games. Two of his absences were the Sixers’ final two games against the Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets.

Fortunately for the Sixers, Embiid is healthy and cleared for action against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 1 on Saturday afternoon, as he’s been left off the injury report ahead of tip-off.

This postseason run could shape up to be much different for James Harden. Last season, the All-Star guard battled a significant setback regarding his hamstring. While Harden still battled with injuries throughout the 2022-2023 season, his Achilles issues don’t seem to play a factor as Philadelphia heads into its postseason run.

During the final month of games, Harden missed eight matchups. Like Embiid, the ten-time All-Star sat out for the final two outings of the regular season. Not only did Harden mention he felt great on Friday afternoon following the Sixers’ final practice before Game 1, but the 76ers also left him off the injury report.

Barring any unexpected changes, the Sixers will have everybody available for their Game 1 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers and the Nets are expected to begin their series on Saturday at 1 PM ET.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.