76ers Tweet Goes Viral As Fans Speculate About Joel Embiid

When the Philadelphia 76ers’ official Twitter account posted some pictures from Saturday’s practice session in Camden, New Jersey, one photo stood out much more than the others.

A couple of hours before the post, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers revealed that Joel Embiid did not practice for the fourth-straight time.

Along with revealing that Embiid was not a participant, Rivers mentioned that Embiid is likely going to enter Monday’s Game 1 matchup against the Boston Celtics as doubtful to play.

“There is no latest. Obviously, doctors looked at him… He didn’t do anything today,” Rivers said. “I’ll say this; If I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful, but we’ll see.”

When the four-photo post went live later on, fans speculated that Rivers might’ve stretched the truth about Embiid’s participation in practice on Saturday

They think we can’t see him 💀 https://t.co/KPM781Ttz4 pic.twitter.com/8mhWYfQ20G
— Tobi_LVP_SZN (@mvp_tobias) April 29, 2023

"Embiid didn't practice today." - Doc Rivers

There might still be hope... pic.twitter.com/JNh66ggDQy
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) April 29, 2023

Based on hair and sneakers, many have pointed out that Embiid was in one of the pictures, standing behind Georges Niang while the team is huddled around a coach looking at a play being drawn up.

Unfortunately, for those who want it to be true, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Embiid was a part of the team’s session.

Of the five practice sessions the Sixers held this week, Embiid was present at all but one of them. When he missed Thursday’s practice, Embiid was at an appointment receiving a re-evaluation on his knee.

On Tuesday, Embiid wasn’t a participant at practice but was spotted sporting practice gear while in the training room getting a light workout in. The following day, Doc Rivers mentioned that Embiid was getting up some shots off to the side, despite not being a participant.

While Embiid was spotted on the court getting up shots following Sunday's practice, Doc Rivers once again confirmed that Embiid did not practice.

The big man might be suited up and present as the Sixers prepare for the Boston Celtics, but there is no conspiracy behind his practice availability. Rivers and multiple Sixers have made it clear that they are going into Game 1 with the idea that Embiid might not be available. And his status beyond Game 1 remains unclear at this time.