Joel Embiid gives update on his right knee sprain ahead of Sixers-Celtics Game 2
BOSTON Joel Embiid talked with reporters Wednesday morning for the first time since April 20.
He had a great reason to do so; the newly minted MVP reflected on his path to the award following the Sixers shootaround at TD Garden.
Still, there were pertinent items to discuss besides the big picture. Among them was the question of whether Embiid planned to return Wednesday night from his right knee sprain in Game 2 after the Sixers seized a 1-0 second-round series lead Monday against the Celtics behind James Hardens 45 points.
Its tough, Embiid said of his injury. But like I said, my life is a movie. Everything happens for a reason. Every single year, its always something freaky happening, and thats OK. Thats another challenge on the way to getting to where I want to. Obviously, its hard dealing with another injury, but when something like that happens, youve got about a day to be kind of sad or whatever, and (then) start to go back to work, rehab, and make sure you do everything possible to be sure youre back out on the court.
Obviously, its earlier than what we thought considering what I had, but Im just glad to be able to go up and down and kind of see how it feels. So were going to take it day by day and see how it feels, and go from there.
ESPN and The Athletic reported Wednesday morning that Embiid is on track to play Game 2 barring any setbacks.
He was again present at shootaround.
However, Embiid did not provide a clear-cut Yes on the subject of his availability.
It’s a possibility, he said, just like it was a possibility for the first game, but Im going to listen to those guys and see what they have to say the doctors. Obviously, I want to play. Everybody knows me, I love being on the court and I love to play, so if theres a possibility and Ive got the green light, then were going to go ahead.
But like I said, were just going to talk about it. I feel pretty good. Last game, I felt like we had a huge opportunity and we were going to win. And tonight, whether I play or not, I believe in those guys. Anything can happen and I think weve got a huge chance to win the game.
Embiid was still listed as doubtful on the NBAs official injury report as of Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said that Embiid did some running Tuesday for the first time since his injury, and that the team would closely monitor how he responded to that workout.
Thats the whole key, Rivers said Tuesday. Thats why were doing it. You have to do it the day before to see if the next day, theres increased swelling. Then, even if he feels good, its a no. So thats what well have to find out tomorrow.
Embiids trajectory continues to appear positive, although hes aware that adjusting back to live action in a high-stakes playoff game wont necessarily be a complete breeze.
At some point, Ill add what I can and be as 100 percent as I can be, but Im sure I can make a difference, Embiid said. Im just going to have to figure out where I can help. And thats going to be the easy part because we know how to play with each other. … So its going to be easy to get back into it.
For myself, I just have to let the game come to me whenever I come back. I havent really done anything the last two weeks, so I think the biggest key for me is not pushing anything and letting the game come to me.
