Doc Rivers spoke with the media yesterday and provided an update on Joel Embiid ahead of tomorrow nights Round 2 matchup against the Boston Celtics. 

Rivers said that the doctors looked at Embiid yesterday that since Joel has yet to practice, if he was a betting man, he would say that Embiid would be doubtful for at least Game 1. 

That of course, was not the news anyone wanted to hear from the Philadelphia 76ers head coach and people on social media were none too pleased with the update from Rivers. 

This morning, that quickly changed after Kyle Neubeck from the Philly Voice dropped a few videos on Twitter from Sixers’ practice today. 

Joel Embiid is shooting, with no visible brace or wrap on his knee, and while also working out with James Harden. 

Joel Embiid Shooting in Camden

Originally tweeted by Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) on April 30, 2023.

Joel Embiid working with James Harden

Originally tweeted by Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) on April 30, 2023.

Embiid had been seen working out with resistance bands earlier in the week and the light shooting in the videos above isn’t anything extraordinary, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. 

According to Rivers, the next step would be for Embiid to participate in live-action drills with his teammates, but that hasn’t happened yet. Given the fact that Game 1 is tomorrow, I doubt it will happen before then regardless. 

Still, that shouldn’t be any type of roadblock for Embiid to play basketball. Why even run him in practice if you want him as healthy as possible with as little action on his knee outside of playoff games? 

I’m still a firm believer that Embiid will be playing Game 1 tomorrow. He has battled through so many injuries over the years. Embiid has played basketball on a torn meniscus, he played against the Raptors last season with nine fingers, and then against the Heat with a broken face.

If anything, I think that Doc Rivers is using an old school “smoke and mirrors” tactic and Embiid has been playing and will be ready to go tomorrow night.

Of course, that could also just be my sick and twisted brain that has been poisoned to always think Embiid will be ready to play through anything. We’ll just have to wait and see tomorrow.

Join The Chase