The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a setback with the news that their All-Star big man Joel Embiid is doubtful for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics on Monday night. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers announced on Saturday that Embiid sustained a sprained LCL in his right knee during Game 3 of their first-round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets.
However, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the injury is considered to be more serious than initially reported. It’s unclear how severe the injury is, but it’s concerning news for the Sixers as postseason injuries to Embiid have become a theme in recent years.
Last season, Embiid suffered a concussion and orbital bone fracture during the first round against the Toronto Raptors, causing him to miss the first two games of the following series against Miami. The Sixers lost both of those games and went on to lose the series 4-2, highlighting the importance of Embiid to the team’s success. Similarly, this year’s postseason run could be in jeopardy without Embiid’s presence.
Embiid’s injury could not come at a worse time for the Sixers, who are hoping to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2001. Just missing a game or two could swing the entire series, as it did last season against the Miami Heat.
As Embiid’s history of playing through injuries and pain shows, it can be fluid depending on his progress. He has been able to do some individual spot-up shooting the past several days and will be evaluated daily. https://t.co/dPwOzhKYDc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2023
Even if Embiid is able to play from the start of the series, it’s fair to question what type of impact the injury will have on his performance. When he’s at his best, Embiid is arguably the most dominant player in the NBA, and the Sixers will need him to be at that level in order to succeed.
The Sixers have a more well-rounded team than in recent years, but they’re not built to withstand an extended absence from their franchise centerpiece. Embiid’s been doing individual spot-up shooting at practice, but his status for Game 1 remains uncertain, and a final determination will be made ahead of Monday night’s game.
The situation is fluid, and the Sixers can only hope that Embiid’s progression will be enough to allow him to make a return during the second round.
Sixers Face Uphill Battle Against Celtics Without Injured Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a daunting challenge as they prepare to take on the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA playoffs, with the status of All-Star center Joel Embiid up in the air. Embiid’s injury could prove to be a major obstacle for the Sixers, as he’s been the driving force behind their success this season.
While the Sixers have a talented roster, they’ll need to adjust their game plan without Embiid, who averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during the regular season. The Celtics, on the other hand, have a deep and versatile team that’s more than capable of taking advantage of the Sixers’ weakened frontcourt.
The Sixers will need to rely on the likes of James Harden, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Macey to step up and fill the void left by Embiid. However, they’ll also need to make significant defensive adjustments to account for the loss of their star center.
Without Embiid, the Sixers face an uphill battle to advance to the conference finals for the first time in two decades. While they certainly have the talent to compete, it remains to be seen whether they have what it takes to overcome this significant obstacle.
