76ers News: Doc Rivers Considers Joel Embiid Doubtful for Game 2

Doc Rivers once again believes that Joel Embiid will enter Game 2 vs. Celtics as doubtful to play.

Leading up to the start of the second-round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics, many wondered whether or not the Sixers would have their star center Joel Embiid on the court.

After suffering a sprained knee during Game 3 in the first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid was forced to miss the fourth and final game of that series, which resulted in a sweep in favor of the 76ers.

The Sixers left the door open for Embiid’s potential return to the court in Game 1 against the Celtics, but they ruled him out officially a few hours before the game tipped off.

Fortunately, James Harden and the Sixers made up for the loss of the big man and upset the Celtics in the first outing on the road. With a 1-0 lead in the series, the Sixers are now focused on finding success in Game 2.

Will they have Embiid on the floor this time around? Sixers head coach Doc Rivers doesn’t seem overly optimistic about that scenario.

While meeting with the media in Boston on Tuesday afternoon, Rivers once again mentioned that he expects Embiid to be labeled as doubtful on the official injury report for Game 2.

Doc Rivers said Joel Embiid is working out this afternoon, and the team will see how his knee responds tomorrow. Rivers expects Embiid’s status to remain the same for Game 2, but that last night’s result won’t impact how the Sixers proceed — said it will only be a health decision

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 2, 2023

The good news is that Embiid will undergo a workout this afternoon to see how his knee responds tomorrow. However, that’s not a guarantee that Embiid will be able to suit up and play.

Once again, the Sixers will have to remain patient while playing the waiting game. While they likely feel comfortable playing without the big man after winning in his absence on Monday, Rivers clarified that the results of Game 1 wouldn’t impact Embiid’s playing status for Game 2.

If everything goes well and his knee responds positively on Wednesday, Embiid could play. If not, Embiid will set his focus on Friday’s Game 3 matchup at home.

The Sixers and the Celtics will tip off at 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday.