There has not been a happier week for the Cameroon-born NBA superstar, Joel Embiid. The Sixers’ center won his first-ever MVP after being one of the favorites to win it for three years. However, finally beating Nikola Jokic for NBA’s topmost yearly honor didn’t come with all the joy in the world. The 76ers lost the Game 3 in Philadelphia and are now 2-1 in the series against the Celtics. Moreover, Embiid isn’t completely fit to play.
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Joel Embiid on returning today vs. Friday: “With what I have, I’m supposed to be out 4-6 weeks. I’m not going to be 100% that whole time. I felt pretty good to play… If I would have come back in Game 3, probably be rusty and not myself. I feel like I got this out of the way.” pic.twitter.com/Un9zEA2HEH
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 4, 2023
The 6x All-Star playing alongside James Harden was considered one of the strongest in the East after Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co lost in 1st round against the Miami Heat. However, the 7-footer sprained his MCL in Sixers’ first-round sweep against the Nets.
He missed Game 1 of the Conference Semi-finals, which Philly won surprisingly behind Harden’s 45-point effort. But they then gave up the road advantage in two straight humbling losses. But there is still a chance to get on level terms and not give Celtics that same advantage. Will Embiid be available on Sunday to do so? Let’s find out.
Is Joel Embiid playing today against the Celtics?
According to the latest reports in the Sixers camp, Joel Embiid is in the injury report for Game 4. He is listed as ‘questionable’ for the series-defining game against Jayson Tatum and Co.
However, expect the big man to play because the Sixers’ head coach, Doc Rivers, said that his MVP is feeling great coming off his second game since spraining his knee, according to Sixers’ beat reporter Keith Pompey.
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers said center Joel Embiid feels great today, coming off his second game since spraining his right knee.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) May 6, 2023
What can we expect from Embiid?
Both of the Sixers’ last two games have been double digits losses. In Game 2, both Embiid and Harden struggled to get going, with the former putting up 15 points. However, he was hitting whenever he got the opportunity unlike his superstar counterpart, and was the only pillar on the defensive side of the ball.
In Game 3, he came out firing on both ends. With 30 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks, and a steal he would have got the Sixers the lead if anyone among Harden or Tyrese Maxey showed up. Both of them shot (under 25%) Philly out of the game.
Let’s hope somebody in that squad steps up to help the big man get what he wants.
