The Philadelphia 76ers came back from a 3-1 series deficit to oust the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Joel Embiid’s health changed the course of that series. As Philadelphia prepares for the next round, the team is focused on making sure its All-Star center is ready to go.
Joel Embiid’s Latest Injury Status Ahead of the Eastern Conference Semifinals
The 76ers take on the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight, May 4, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Fans can tune into the action on NBC and Peacock. While the Knicks’ key contributors enter the series healthy, questions still surround Embiid’s availability.
Philadelphia lists its seven-time All-Star as “probable” heading into tonight’s contest due to a right hip contusion. He suffered the injury during Game 7’s tight, physical contest in Boston on May 2.
Embiid may have hurt his hip late in the fourth quarter when he dove for a loose ball. Tyrese Maxey also fell into Embiid’s knee inside the final minute of the contest. The 32-year-old came up hobbling after the play.
Most players suit up with a probable tag. Embiid’s prior lower-body injuries and recent surgery cast additional doubt regarding his availability. Fans will want to keep an eye out for any updates to the injury report before tip-off tonight.
Also Read: ‘I Have 2 Eyes’: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down on LeBron James-Michael Jordan NBA GOAT Debate
Just two days ago, hours before Game 7, Boston downgraded Jayson Tatum to questionable after he was expected to play. Ultimately, the Celtics star did not play.
Embiid missed the play-in tournament and the first three games against the Celtics, recovering from emergency appendix surgery. He showed no signs of rust against Boston after being sidelined from April 9 to April 26.
Embiid averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in Games 4 through 7. His scoring and playmaking improved significantly in the series compared to the regular season.
Embiid only played 38 games before the postseason, averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks. He and Paul George, who played in 37 contests, missed significant time, forcing Philadelphia to piece together its regular season for a play-in finish.
The 76ers took down the Orlando Magic in the opening play-in contest to secure a postseason spot. They certainly are making the most out of their playoff opportunity.
Knicks Bring Different Test for Embiid Than Celtics
As the opening series progressed, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla went away from Nikola Vučević. He leaned on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza to guard Embiid. Neither Garza nor Queta is a volume threat from beyond the arc. However, that all changes with Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks star center is a big threat from deep and can slash to the rim off the bounce. It will be interesting to see how Embiid fares defensively against Towns with his injury. Towns might attack Embiid early to see if he can open up his 3-point and slashing strengths.
