Doc Rivers Considers Joel Embiid Doubtful for Game 1 vs. Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is likely to be listed as doubtful for next Monday's Game 1 matchup against the Boston Celtics, according to Sixers head coach Doc Rivers.

Last week, Embiid dealt with with knee soreness throughout the Sixers’ Game 3 battle in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets. The big man managed to finish the matchup, but he reported soreness and swelling to trainers after the game.

As a result, the Sixers sent Embiid back to Philadelphia, where he would get an MRI to confirm that no structural damage had occurred. While the Sixers received positive results on that front, Embiid was still diagnosed with a knee sprain, which was later clarified as an LCL sprain, according to reports.

When the Sixers faced the Nets in Game 4, Embiid was ruled out and remained away from the team. The Sixers trotted out Paul Reed in the starting five. Despite missing their MVP-caliber center last Saturday, the Sixers managed to defeat the Nets in the fourth outing.

With that win, Philadelphia eliminated Brooklyn and advanced to the second round. Their opponent for round two became the Boston Celtics after they defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6. Boston finished the series with a 4-2 win.

With the Celtics locked in, the Sixers’ second-round series will tip off next Monday.

76ers' Round 2 Schedule vs. Celtics

The Sixers returned to their practice facility on Tuesday after getting a two-day break following their sweep over the Nets. As expected, Embiid was not a participant in three of the practices, including Thursday’s session, as he was at an appointment for his latest evaluation.

The trend continued on Saturday.

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

The Sixers and the Celtics will tip off on Monday, May 1.