We have Breaking news!
After a diagnosed LCL sprain and a first-round sweep of Brooklyn, Soon-to-be-MVP Joel Embiid’s injury status has been revealed.
It’s not promising, however.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Sixers all-purpose, big man will be listed as doubtful for game 1 vs. the Celtics. The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as Embiid faced some physicality (and to be frank, blatant cheap shots) against the Nets in round 1. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Embiid may have gotten hurt contesting a drive by Cam Thomas in the third quarter of the Sixers Game 3 win.
There was some hope that the extra rest he received as the Celtics were looking to close out Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks would be crucial to his well-being in this inevitable match-up with Boston, but obviously not enough to not be labored. He is expected to wear a brace when he returns to the lineup.
Initial optimism about Embiid’s playing status early in this series may still be on track. However, it looks likely the Sixers will be without their star in game 1 and that’s a devasting blow to a Philly team that already struggles against a deep and talented Celtics team. They needed big time efforts from Maxey, Harden, and Harris to make up for all Embiid means to the team at both ends of the floor.
Keep it locked here for our second-round preview of the Sixers and Celtics semi-final match-up, set to drop Monday morning before game 1.
For more on all things Philadelphia sports, check out Phiredupsports.com for more.
