UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
The Eastern Conference second-round series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers begins tonight with Game 1 in TD Garden. The Celtics have the home-court advantage since they are the second seed in the conference, but many gave more chances to the Sixers since they cruised past the Brooklyn Nets in the opening round.
However, things got complicated when news broke out that Embiid is actually injured. The NBA’s leading scorer this season sustained a sprained LCL in his right knee during Game 3 of the series against the Nets and his availability is still not clear. It is worth noting that Embiid actually played in Game 4 of the series against the Nets and the seriousness of the injury was acknowledged after that. Therefore, the question is Embiid playing tonight for many came out of nowhere.
What’s Embiid’s Injury Status Ahead of Game 1 of the Series?
Contents
Joel Embiid is listed as doubtful for the opening game of the series against the Boston Celtics. The center participated in the morning shoot around the Sixers had at the day of the game and despite the fact that he looked good, he will probably sit this one out. Many were wondering if his status would change to questionable which will increase the chances of seeing him play tonight but that wasn’t the case and Sixers’ coach Doc Rivers would have to make the game plan without his best player.
Does the Sixers stand any chances without Embiid?
Joel Embiid is the NBA’s leading scorer for the second season in a row and is the front runner to win the regular season MVP award. That speaks enough on the impact he has on the Sixers who finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 54-28 record. Embiid averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 54.8% from the field and 85.7% from the free throw line.
The good news for the Sixers, if there can be any, is the fact that they have James Harden ready to go. It is a fact that he is not as good as he was back when he was with the Houston Rockets but also, we all know he can drop 40 against anybody. Embiid takes 20 free throw attempts per game and in his absence, Harden will have to cover most of those possessions. He is having a good season leading the league with 10.7 per game and he also dropped 21 points per game.
Who will start in Embiid’s place?
This is the main move Doc Rivers will have to make even before the game starts. The Sixers have three bigs that can jump in the starting lineup to cover for Embiid. Dewayne Dedmon is the first choice since he is the only pure center on the bench. The 33-year-old veteran averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 38 games he played this season. The thing is he has not played in the last three weeks, so Rivers may start Montrezl Harrell on five. The power forward averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in 57 games this season.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
