Sixers Have Optimism Joel Embiid Can Play Game 2, Unlikely For Game 1

The Philadelphia 76ers continue to play the waiting game to see about the status of star big man Joel Embiid. The big fella is still listed as doubtful for Monday’s Game 1 against the Boston Celtics and the Sixers are going to have to try and steal a game on the road without the MVP front-runner.

Embiid was diagnosed with a sprained LCL that he suffered on April 21 during the Round 1 sweep of the Brooklyn Nets. It’s obvious that he has been progressing, but considering he hasn’t been able to run or anything, that’s something he has to overcome in order to get back on the floor.

Joel Embiid in attendance of Sixers shootaround for Game 1 vs. Celtics

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Embiid is unlikely to play in Monday’s Game 1, but there is optimism for Game 2 on Wednesday:

I’m told that Joel Embiid is unlikely to play in Game 1 against the Celtics tonight in Boston. He did get on the floor today at the Sixers shootaround and then worked out afterward. He was able to move better. There has been improvement, and I’m told there is optimism that Joel Embiid could make his return for Game 2 on Wednesday, but the Sixers are preparing to be without him tonight in Game 1 with that sprained knee.

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Until Embiid can return, the Sixers will have to be able to dig deep and overcome the adversity they are facing in order to get the job done against a very talented and experienced Celtics team.