Philadelphia 76ers fans are on edge as the status of Joel Embiid’s injury remains uncertain ahead of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics.
The team completed a sweep of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, providing Embiid with an opportunity to rest up after missing Game 4 due to a sprained right knee. However, the 76ers are yet to confirm whether the NBA MVP finalist will be fit to play in Game 1 of the upcoming series.
Coach Doc Rivers provided an update on Embiid’s condition, stating that the player was at a doctor’s exam while the team was practicing. Rivers stated that he is waiting for further updates on Embiid’s condition and will assess the situation accordingly.
Embiid’s injury history is a concern for fans, as he has missed multiple games in the playoffs in previous years due to various injuries. He missed two games in the second round last year, another in the first round this year, and two games in the 2018 playoffs due to an orbital fracture. In 2019, he missed another game due to a knee problem.
Embiid’s absence would be a significant blow to the 76ers’ chances of progressing in the playoffs. The player had an outstanding regular season, averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, and winning his second straight scoring title. In four games against the Celtics this season, Embiid averaged 36.8 points and 11.8 rebounds.
While the extended series between the Hawks and Celtics has increased the chances of Embiid playing in Game 1, fans are still dismayed by the uncertainty surrounding the player’s injury status. Embiid’s presence on the court is vital to the 76ers’ success, and his absence could jeopardize their chances of winning the series.
In conclusion, the uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid’s injury status has left 76ers fans dismayed ahead of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Celtics. While the extended series has increased the chances of his return, the team is yet to confirm whether he will be fit to play.
Embiid’s absence would be a significant blow to the 76ers’ playoff hopes, and fans are hoping for positive news on his condition ahead of the upcoming series.
Nice win @celtics !!!!!
Impressive fight Atlanta.
Next up: Philadelphia 76ers
Will Joel Embiid’s knee be ready?
I discussed his knee injury ⬇️
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) April 28, 2023
Joel Embiid: The MVP That Could Have Been
Joel Embiid, a player for the Philadelphia 76ers, has been a strong candidate for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in the past few seasons. He has been a runner-up for the award in both 2021 and 2022.
Many people believed he deserved it in 2021-22 when he led the league in scoring. Embiid has also achieved statistical feats that have only been accomplished by Hall of Famers Moses Malone and Shaquille O’Neal, both of whom were named league MVP in those seasons.
Embiid has been praised by other players, such as Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who called him the “Most Valuable Player in the NBA” after a game in which Embiid scored 39 point. As of Saturday morning, Embiid had the fourth-best MVP odds in the NBA.
In wrapping up his second-straight scoring title, Embiid capped 2022-23 by earning recognition as Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in March and April. Joel racked up an NBA-best 33.3 points per game over the last 18 games (on 59.5% shooting) while averaging 1.9 blocked shots over that span.
Embiid’s performance on the court and his achievements make him a strong candidate for the MVP award.
