Sixers’ Joel Embiid Will Have Another Evaluation on Thursday

The Philadelphia 76ers hope to get a better idea of when their star center Joel Embiid can return to the court soon.

On Thursday, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers mentioned that Embiid was at the doctors undergoing evaluation during the team’s morning practice session, according to Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

As expected, Embiid was not a participant in Thursday’s sessions. That’s been the case since the Sixers returned to the practice court after a two-day break following their first-round sweep over the Brooklyn Nets.

At this point, it’s clear Embiid is battling a sprained LCL. Following the Sixers’ Game 3 win over the Nets last Thursday, Embiid experienced knee soreness throughout the matchup. Although he finished the game, the big man had swelling in his knee following the matchup, according to Doc Rivers.

Joel Embiid Misses Practice on Wednesday

Last Friday, Embiid returned to Philadelphia to undergo an MRI. Later that evening, the Sixers added Embiid to the injury report for Game 4. He was listed as out due to a sprained knee.

In Embiid’s absence, the Sixers started the veteran center, Paul Reed. PJ Tucker and Montrezl Harrell backed up the third-year center throughout the game.

Without Embiid, the Sixers took care of business and defeated the Nets. With a Game 4 victory, Philadelphia eliminated Brooklyn and moved on to the next round. At this point, the Sixers remain unsure of their second-round opponent.

On Tuesday night, the Atlanta Hawks paid a visit to the Boston Celtics for Game 5. Trailing 3-1, the Hawks pulled off the upset and forced a Game 6 in Atlanta, which will take place on Thursday night. Regardless of who wins the series and whether or not it goes seven games, the Sixers will face either the Hawks or the Celtics next Monday.

At that point, it would mark 11 days since the last time Embiid took the court. Initial reports speculated that Embiid’s recovery could take up to two weeks. While his availability for Game 1 of the second round remains unclear at this time, the Sixers should have a better idea of the situation on Thursday following his appointment.