Joel Embiid Returns to Injury Report Ahead of Game 3 vs. Celtics

2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid has found himself on the Philadelphia 76ers' injury report ahead of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics.

Embiid previously sat out of the last game of the Sixers' opening series against the Brooklyn Nets and the first game against the Celtics with a sprained LCL before making a return on Wednesday night in game two.

His return wasn't flattering as the 29-year-old played limited minutes while sporting a brace on his right leg, only scoring 15 points while grabbing three boards and blocking five shots. For having two weeks off, rust was to be expected.

Following Philadelphia's 87-121 loss which evened out the series, head coach Doc Rivers discussed his shaky return. "We knew there had to be some kind of growing pains bringing him back," said Rivers. "So, I'm glad we got it out of the way today."

With Embiid's return on Wednesday night coming a bit sooner than some anticipated, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that he has been found downgraded to questionable ahead of Friday night's match at the Wells Fargo Center.

In the event that the newly crowned MVP is unavailable for action, Paul Reed would assume the starting position, much like he did in game one of the series, where he scored ten points while coming up with a crucial 13 rebounds, which would help his side come out on top.

Declan Harris contributes to All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @DecIanH.

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