76ers vs. Celtics: Joel Embiid’s Game 1 Playing Status

On Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will face the Boston Celtics for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series. As the Sixers approach tip-off, they have officially ruled out their star center Joel Embiid for the matchup, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

All week long, the Sixers practiced without knowing whether or not Embiid would be on the floor to face the Celtics at the beginning of the series as he was dealing with a sprained knee, which he suffered during Game 3 in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets.

After Embiid received an MRI the following morning after Game 3, he was ruled out for the Game 4 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Fortunately for the Sixers, they were able to defeat the Nets and completed the first-round sweep without needing Embiid’s services.

Unfortunately, Embiid wasn’t guaranteed to return to the court even with a week off. The Sixers practiced five times over the past week. Embiid was present for all but one of the sessions. Despite being around for practice, Doc Rivers mentioned that Embiid was not an active participant in the sessions.

On Sunday, Embiid stuck around after practice to put up some shots. Although he was able to move around a bit more, Rivers remained sure Embiid would be doubtful for Game 1.

“He didn’t do any running or anything like that. He just did some shooting and stuff,” Rivers revealed. “He’s better… He’s progressing. There’s been optimism all along. You also got to be realistic. I just don’t know. He’s still doubtful, but he’s improving daily, and that’s good for us.”

Embiid’s official status on the injury report leading up to Monday’s game was doubtful. Although many hoped that Embiid would be able to push through the soreness he was experiencing and play in Game 1, the team officially ruled him out on Monday night.