Joel Embiid works out, expected to remain doubtful for Game 2 vs. Celtics

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Joel Embiid worked out on Tuesday, a day after missing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Doc Rivers told reporters that despite the progress, he doesn’t expect Embiid’s status to change from doubtful ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2.

“There’s no change in his status,” Rivers said. “I’m assuming it’s doubtful. … “But he’s working out today. He’s over there with some of our guys right now, and I’ll get the report when he gets back. But the fact that he’s doing that is a step forward for sure”

Embiid hasn’t played since injuring his right knee in Game 3 of Philadelphia’s first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets on April 20. He was later diagnosed with a sprained lateral collateral ligament and reportedly underwent underwent platelet-rich plasma treatment to aid his recovery. He missed Game 4 of Philadelphia’s sweep of the Nets, then Monday’s Game 1 against the Celtics after being ruled out on game day.

Despite playing without their MVP finalist, the 76ers secured a 119-115 road win over the Celtics behind a 45-point effort from James Harden. The upset put Philadelphia in control home-court advantage and ramped down the pressure on the 76ers for Game 2. At worst, the they’ll return to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 with the series tied at 1-1.

Joel Embiid cheered on his 76ers teammates while in street clothes on Monday. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Rivers said that Monday’s win won’t play a factor in the decision on whether Embiid plays Game 2.

“It’s just health-based,” Rivers told reporters. “If he can play, he plays. If he can’t, he can’t. If it’s 50/50, we would probably err on the other side [not playing] because we’ve done that all year. We’re not gonna take any chances.”

Embiid told ESPN that how his knee responds on Wednesday to the workout will determine his status for Game 2.

“That’s the whole key,” Embiid said. “That’s why we’re doing it. Because you have to do it the day before to see if the next day, if there’s increased swelling — then even if he feels good, it’s a no. So that’s what we’ll find out tomorrow.”

While Harden stepped up on the offensive end in Embiid’s…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2023-05-02 21:03:59

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