Sixers' Joel Embiid Questionable For Celtics' Clash

On Wednesday, the third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics in their second head-to-head match this season.

Their first meeting was on opening night when the Celtics narrowly beat the Sixers, 126-117, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown putting up 35 points each helping their team to a strong opening performance.

For Philadelphia, James Harden and Joel Embiid would keep the game close, combining for 61 points, with The Process also grabbing an emphatic 15 rebounds.

Granted, Doc Rivers may have to face off against his former team without Embiid, as he has been downgraded ahead of Wednesday's match with soreness in his left foot.

This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, as the Sixers' center has been a constant feature on the Sixers' injury report over the previous few weeks.

The last time Embiid missed a game was in late January against the Sacramento Kings, where Embiid was sat out due to injury management.

Granted, this hasn't stopped Embiid from coming up big during this period, averaging 32 points and 12, helping him earn his second player of the month title.

If Embiid is able to play on Wednesday, it would be a huge boost for Philadelphia for a game that can help them climb the Eastern Conference standings as the postseason continues to approach in the coming months.

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

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