Joel Embiid has been listed as questionable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Sixers center will undergo further treatment and workouts before his status is determined for the Sunday afternoon game, Charania adds.
Embiid hasn’t played since suffering a small meniscus tear in his right knee on Monday. He is considered day to day, and his availability will depend on how the knee responds.
Embiid was limited to individual workouts during practices today and Friday, according to Ky Carlin of USA Today’s Sixers Wire. Embiid didn’t join his teammates for any live-ball activities at either session.
“The same,” coach Doc Rivers said when asked for an update on Embiid’s condition. “He did a little bit on the floor, no live, I can say that today. Just he did what he could do.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- The uncertainty surrounding Embiid gives Ben Simmons a chance to cement his legacy with the Sixers, writes Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Simmons helped close out the Wizards with a triple-double in Game 5, but the Hawks should be a more difficult challenge. Hayes points out that Rivers and first-year president of basketball operations Daryl Morey inherited Simmons from the previous regime and may not hesitate to move on from him if they don’t believe he can help them win a title.
- Celtics assistant Scott Morrison will interview for the team’s head coaching vacancy, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The 43-year-old Morrison earned G League Coach of the Year honors in 2015 with the Maine Red Claws and has been part of Brad Stevens’ staff since 2017. Fellow Boston assistant Jerome Allen, who has also been confirmed for an interview with the Celtics, will interview for the Trail Blazers’ head coaching spot as well, tweets Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
- The Raptors will have plenty of competition for Kyle Lowry in free agency this summer, with the Lakers, Heat, Knicks and Sixers all expected to pursue him, writes Dave Feschuk of The Toronto Star. He notes that Lowry said, “Money talks, and years talk” in his postseason press conference, indicating the veteran point guard will be looking for a multiyear offer.
I hope the sixers stay away from Lowry…
Staying relevant talks, too!
Depends on what you mean by relevant because he was the main scorer for the Raptors in 2019 and known for toughness in 2018. He didn’t lose any of that, but may have been asked to be more of a secondary scorer recently.
He is relevant all right, if only as a player several teams should have gotten, and soon may bid up.
Embiid should be rested for game 1 and possibly game 2. Sixers are looking to go deep these playoffs and will desperately need him later.
We play the hawks in the next round, they just made it past the Knicks with Julius Randle playing very poorly. The key to stopping them is stopping/slowing down Trae Young, which I am confident Ben Simmons can do. I think Dwight Howard could do a good job against Clint Capela for a game or 2 starting. I think Tobais comes out on top of Collins, they have Bogdanovic but we have more depth on the wings with Green, Curry, Thybulle, Maxey, Korkmaz etc. They have Lou Will but he hasn’t done much, George Hill will have a good series. We also have the better coach and more experience, and I think that’ll be key. If Trae struggles with Ben on him then the team will look to score in other ways and because of their inexperience, we can bounce on them and control the game. Has to start with the defence and then do the small things.
Obviously having Embiid would be an advantage but we shouldn’t rush him back, and we should be looking to try protect him for the likes of Milwauke where he will face Giannis, or Brooklyn where he will have to play up more and have tough match ups with Durant and stuff.
As for the offseason, if we make it past the hawks, then make the ECF and face either the bucks or Nets I think that would be good enough to run it back. Obviously we want to make the final and win a ring but the top teams this season are in the east and competition will be stiff. What we have over others top teams is youth. Trading away Ben cause we only made the ECF with Embiid hurt would be a huge mistake. Unless your getting Dame for Ben (which ain’t happening) or Ben for Ja (which also ain’t happening) then just stay put
Totally agree. I wouldn’t play Embiid for game 1 for sure and iffy on game 2.
The Lakers “rested” AD in game 5 and that didn’t work out for them.
The Sixers aren’t getting past the Hawks without the help of Embiid.
Simmons isn’t even close to LeBron in terms of being their #2 player.
Without Embiid, it’s more of an interesting matchup, especially b/c it’s very doubtful Doc Rivers can figure out what lineups to play in certain situations. Small lineups with Simmons at the 5 need to be more explored
Oh he would love that.
PHI must take the surgery option with Embiid & have him healthy & ready for next season, no point risking his long term health just for a potential playoff run!
If he plays he won’t be any good & will risk a much worse injury, playin’ him is the worst idea like ever!
Throw the towel on this season, can’t control injuries, right?
Lowry is going for broke. Unless your team is under the cap most likely you are not getting him even with a trade and sign player. Watch all the fans claim somebody is worth a sign and trade.