Joel Embiid Seen at 76ers Shootaround Before Game 1 vs. Celtics

76ers center Joel Embiid put up some shots before the team's shootaround ahead of Game 1 against the Boston Celtics.

The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Boston on Sunday afternoon ahead of Game 1 against the Boston Celtics. On Monday morning, the team participated in shootaround at TD Garden Arena, where reporters were able to see Joel Embiid put up some shots before the session.

For the last week, Embiid has been dealing with a sprained knee, which occurred in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets. After receiving his diagnosis, Embiid missed Game 4 against the Nets. Fortunately for Philly, they managed to complete the sweep by defeating the Nets.

From that point on, Embiid’s status for the second-round series against the Celtics was up in the air. The Sixers held five practice sessions last week. Of the five sessions, Embiid was present for four, as he missed last Thursday’s practice due to getting a re-evaluation on his knee.

Although Embiid was present for every other practice, Doc Rivers confirmed that the big man was not a participant. After Embiid’s evaluation on Thursday, Rivers revealed that Embiid would likely head into Game 1 against the Celtics listed as doubtful.

“Obviously, doctors looked at him.. He didn’t do anything today,” Rivers said. “I’ll say this; If I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful, but we’ll see.”

After Sunday’s session, Rivers reiterated the same message.

“He did a little bit more, not much,” Rivers said on Sunday. “He didn’t do any running or anything like that. He just did some shooting and stuff. He’s better… He’s progressing.”

Following Sunday’s practice, Embiid stuck around to get shots up for the first time since he was diagnosed with his injury. While it was a positive sign, Embiid was still officially listed on the injury report as doubtful for Monday’s game.

Joel Embiid is here at Sixers shootaround: pic.twitter.com/kEioCFnTdy

— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) May 1, 2023

Getting up shots before shootaround is another positive sign that Embiid is progressing, but it doesn’t guarantee he’ll be back as early as desired. 

“There’s been optimism all along,” Rivers added on Sunday. “You also got to be realistic. I just don’t know. He’s still doubtful, but he’s improving daily, and that’s good for us.”

The Sixers and the Celtics are scheduled for tip-off at 7:30 PM. Embiid remains doubtful for the matchup.