The Latest on Joel Embiid's Availability for Game 2 Between Celtics and Sixers

The Sixers rallied for a 119-115 win over the Celtics in the series opener in Boston.

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Despite Joel Embiid's absence in the series opener between the Celtics and Sixers, James Harden's 45-point eruption, Boston's inability to get stops, and committing 16 turnovers at the other end, twice as many as Philadelphia, translated to a 119-115 victory for the visitors.

The Celtics know their backs are against the wall as they look to send a message in Game 2. It won't help that Marcus Smart's status is uncertain for Wednesday's matchup.

While one expects Boston's starting floor general to suit up, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported the elbow Smart took to the chest on Monday reaggravated the upper back soreness he's been dealing with since his hard fall onto his lower back in Game 3 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Hawks.

Surprisingly, it appears there's more clarity regarding Embiid's status for Wednesday's matchup. After winning MVP Tuesday night, the Sixers' star center told his team, "I'm back," according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

There's a case that Philadelphia already got what it came for and should rest Embiid until the series moves to the City of Brotherly Love, similar to what the Heat did, holding out Jimmy Butler for Game 2 against the Knicks after winning the series opener at Madison Square Garden.

However, Charania reports that Embiid, dealing with an LCL sprain in his right knee, is on track to play Wednesday night in Boston. Tuesday, Sixers' head coach Doc Rivers expressed that the six-time All-Star's availability is strictly a health-based decision and not influenced by Monday's outcome, per Rich Hofmann of The Athletic.

Here's everything Doc Rivers said about Joel Embiid.

- Still likely doubtful, but working out today
- Doing some running today, skeleton offense, etc.
- Key is to see if there's increased swelling tomorrow
- When he comes back, Joel is going to be tired, rotations might change pic.twitter.com/amyZHRfeq1

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 2, 2023

Game 2 tips off Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. at TD Garden. EST. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the matchup before, during, and afterward, including regarding Smart and Embiid's status. And follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.

Update: Joel Embiid will make his series debut Wednesday night. Doc Rivers credited his star center for working to be in the best shape possible, saying, "When you’re a better-conditioned athlete, you can come back quicker."

Marcus Smart is also available for Game 2. 

Further Reading

Celtics Starter Questionable for Game 2 Against Sixers

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Game Mismanagement Leading to Losing on the Margins and a Series-Opening Defeat to Sixers

Celtics Address Letting Guard Down in Game 1 Loss to Sixers Team Missing Joel Embiid

Jayson Tatum Reflects on Game 1 Loss to Philadelphia 76ers

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Loss vs. Sixers: The Perplexing Defeats Have Become More Predictable

Jaylen Brown Discusses Celtics and Sixers Rivalry, Bill Russell's Legacy

Here's What We Know About the Celtics-Sixers Second-Round Schedule