MVP front-runner Joel Embiid has been the beating heart of the Sixers all season. However, he was limited to just three games in the Sixers' four-game sweep of the Nets. The center reportedly suffered an LCL sprain in his right knee, ruling him out of the series-sealing Game 4.
Elsewhere, after postponing a Janet Jackson concert, the Boston Celtics prevailed 4-2 over the Atlanta Hawks. That sets up a second-round meeting between the Celtics and Sixers. No fan needs to be told just how much these two teams hate each other. But Sixers might want to stop reading as Doc Rivers have given an update about Embiid...
Rivers Wouldn't Bet On Embiid Playing on Monday
"There is no latest," head coach Doc Rivers said in his media availability on April 29. "Obviously, the doctors looked at him, and he didn't do anything today. I'll say this, but if I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful for at least Game 1. But we'll see." That is far from the news that Sixers fans wanted to hear about their star. A healthy Embiid would be vital to overcoming the Celtics, who finished ahead of the Sixers in the regular season. When asked when Embiid might be ready to play, Rivers had a similar dry response. "He has to get better," was the simple response.
If Embiid does miss Game 1, bench center Paul Reed will likely join the starting five. "I keep the same mental preparation and physical preparation as I would even if he was playing," Reed said. "I won't change up what I'm doing any differently. I keep the same mental focus." Reed had a double-double when starting in place of Embiid for Game 4 against the Nets. "It does a lot for my confidence knowing I can step in and play valuable minutes for the team and give us a boost that we needed in order to close out that series," Reed continued. "So now I feel I can go into the next series and give us another boost. If Joel is not playing, I'm confident I can come in and give us a lot of energy and help us win."
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