Joel Embiid To Play In Sixers-Celtics Game 2

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Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics - Game One
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates from the bench after the Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Boston Celtics 119-115 in game one of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Embiid is reportedly ready to make this on-court return.

While the Philadelphia 76ers have only been without newly-crowned MVP Joel Embiid for two games, it has felt like an age for fans. Embiid was assessed to have an LCL sprain in his right knee following Game 3 of the first-round matchup between the Sixers and Nets. This forced Embiid to miss the series-sealing Game 4. The Sixers are not an "Embiid or bust" team. However, the star's absence has definitely been felt on the court.

Ahead of their second-round matchup against the Boston Celtics, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers warned fans that Embiid was likely not ready to play in Game 1. However, even without Embiid, the Sixers managed to steal a win on the road thanks to the heroics of James Harden. Harden put up 45 points in the Sixers' Game 1 road victory. But now, finally, Sixers fans are set to receive some good news.

Embiid Back Barring Setback

First reported by The Athletic, Joel Embiid will appear in May 3's Game 2 provided he is able to get through Wednesday's team shootaround and pre-game workout. Embiid will also likely be asked about his playing condition at an NBA press conference concerning his MVP award. Confidence seems high though, with Embiid the first player onto the court during the team workout on Wednesday morning. Game 2 between the Sixers and Celtics is scheduled to begin at 8:00PM EDT. The game will take place at Boston's TD Garden.

However, Rivers is still being cautious about his star player's condition. "It's just health-based. If he can play, he plays. If he can't, he can't. And if it's 50-50, we would probably err on the other side [and not have him play], because we've done that all year," Rivers said on Tuesday afternoon. Embiid appeared in 66 regular season games for the Sixers this season. That was third-highest amongst starters, trailing P.J. Tucker and Tobias Harris. Additionally, through three playoff games, Embiid is averaging 20 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Who do you think will win between the Sixers and Celtics? Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your number one stop for all the latest sports news.

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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