Will Embiid be ready for Round 2? Here’s the latest update from the 76ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Philadelphia 76ers became the first team to clinch a spot in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs by sweeping the Brooklyn Nets with a Game 4 win on Saturday, but it’s unknown whether their best player will be available to begin Round 2.
Sixers center and league MVP favorite Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of Game 3 and did not play in Game 4.
What are his chances of being able to play in Game 1 of the second round? Here’s what 76ers head coach Doc Rivers said after Game 4 on Saturday:
Fifty percent “at best” is not very encouraging if you’re a Sixers fan. Embiid has a long history of injuries, and his fitness/stamina has always been a question mark in the playoffs.
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The Sixers were able to sweep the Nets without Embiid dominating in Round 1. They probably won’t be as lucky in the second round if they play the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics will play the Sixers in Round 2 if they eliminate the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Boston has a 2-1 series lead entering Sunday night’s Game 4 in Atlanta.
Embiid’s health and unknown status for the second round should give the Celtics even more incentive to finish off the Hawks as soon as possible and get into a series against the Sixers.