Will Joel Embiid Be Healthy for Next Playoff Round?

After wrapping up a series sweep of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, 76ers head coach Doc Rivers sounded bleak about his star center’s chances to be ready for the start of the Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Celtics or Hawks.

By video, the Pro Basketball Docs agree that it is a longshot for Joel Embiid to be ready for Game 1. 

The likely MVP appeared to suffer a sprained ACL in his right knee when his knee shifted on an awkward step after attempting to block Cameron Johnson.

The 29-year-old was not moving well after the injury and will require an indefinite amount of time before getting back to 100%.

A sprain is a minor tear, but in no way is his playoffs or season done. If he had a full tear of his ACL, that would be the case.

However, by video, Embiid’s injury appeared low-grade and he can likely avoid surgery by rehabbing the injury over the next week or two.

Embiid remained in the game after the injury mid-way through the third quarter, but finished with his lowest scoring output in a playoff game since May 2021 in a game where he played just 11 minutes. 

He also suffered a minor back injury during Game 3 which may have contributed to his limited movement, but the knee is a bigger concern going forward. 

Philadelphia captured Game 4 without him, but their hopes of a deep playoff run rest on the availability of the 7-footer who averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season.

Paul Reed, a third-year big out of DePaul, will see the biggest playing time increase with Embiid out. He logged a playoff career-high of 32 minutes in Sunday’s Game 4, adding 10 points and 15 rebounds.