Latest Joel Embiid injury update is SCARY for 76ers, as superstar misses Game 1 of semifinal against Celtics
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Joel Embiid (Image credits - X.com)
The Philadelphia 76ers came up clutch against the Boston Celtics to take a 1-0 series lead. Sixers star, Joel Embiid missed Game 1 due to a knee injury that he suffered in the first-round series win over the Brooklyn Nets. Philly took this important road win despite their superstar being sidelined. Game 1 went down the wire as the Sixers had to make some clutch plays.
James Harden led the team, scoring 45 points and swishing in the game-winner to help the 76ers win 119-115. Tyrese Maxey made an important contribution, scoring 26 points. The Sixers put up a great performance without Embiid on the floor. Though the game was pretty close, Philly managed to edge out. This game did display the need for Embiid to be on the floor, as the Sixers were lacking rim protection.
Embiid picked up his injury during Game 3 in the first round. Embiid had landed awkwardly after attempting to block a layup. He missed Game 4 against the Nets, but the team managed to beat Brooklyn and win the series 4-0. After evaluation, Embiid was ruled out for Game 1 of the second round. Though the Sixers’ worries won’t end there.
Embiid has reportedly sustained a small tear in his knee. The news broke hours before Game 1, and could mean another missed game for Embiid. The Sixers, leading 1-0 in the series, snatched home-court advantage from the Celtics. Going into Game 2, Philly will play with confidence and hope to take a surprise 2-0 series lead. So far into the postseason, Embiid has averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks a game.
Related: Joel Embiid injury update: 76ers provide BAD NEWS ahead of series-opener vs. Celtics
Joel Embiid injury update: Sixers star won’t play in Game 2 against the Celtics
With a minor tear in his knee, Embiid will be missing out on Game 2. With him not on the floor, Harden and Maxey will have to manage the load, as they did in the first game. Harden had put his MVP numbers on the stat sheet, leading this team past Boston. Philly will hope to steal another win and finish the series back home to give Embiid as much time as possible to recover from his injury.
The Celtics will see Game 2 as a must-win. Going down 2-0 in the series before heading to Philly for Games 3 and 4 will pin their backs against the wall. It will be interesting to see whether the Celtics return to form in Game 2 or if the Sixers win three games on the trot without their star center.
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Jay Lokegaonkar
(46 Articles Published)