Sixers News: Joel Embiid’s Game 1 Status vs. Celtics Unclear

The Philadelphia 76ers finally found out they would face the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Although they know their opponent now, the Sixers remain unsure whether or not their All-Star center Joel Embiid will play.

Last Thursday, Embiid played in the 76ers’ Game 3 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. During the matchup, Embiid was visibly bothered by his knee.

After the game, Embiid told team trainers that he was dealing with soreness, and it was revealed that Embiid had swelling. The next morning, the Sixers sent Embiid back to Philadelphia so he could receive an MRI.

The Sixers ruled Embiid out for Game 4 due to a knee sprain. Later, it was reported that Embiid was dealing with an LCL sprain.

Throughout the week following the Sixers’ sweep over the Nets, head coach Doc Rivers didn’t have any specific updates regarding the status of his All-Star center.

On Tuesday, Embiid was present for the film session but did not participate in practice. On Wednesday, Embiid got up some shots but did not practice with the Sixers. Then on Thursday, Embiid wasn’t present at all, as Rivers revealed he was at a doctors appointment to receive an update.

Since the Sixers were issued an off-day on Friday, Rivers did not have any media obligation. However, John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia offered the latest on the big man following his mid-week appointment.

I’m told Joel Embiid’s status for Game 1 in Boston Monday is still not known after meeting with doctors & may not be known until Sunday/Monday

It will depend on how his sprained LCL responds and feels the next few days. There is hope he can play early in the series with a brace pic.twitter.com/4oQ5F63i7J
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 28, 2023

Per Clark, Embiid’s status for Game 1 in Boston is still unknown. The Sixers will continue to monitor the situation over the next couple of days before officially determining whether he’s ready to play or not.

76ers' Round 2 Schedule vs. Celtics

If and when Embiid returns to the floor early on in the second-round series, it sounds like the All-Star might need to sport a brace on his knee. While that’s not an ideal scenario, Embiid has been able to find success on the floor while wearing a knee brace in the past.

The Sixers and the Celtics are set to meet for Game 1 on Monday, May 1. Embiid will have the next few days to rest up and undergo treatment as the Sixers work on getting him healthy enough to play.