Rivers expects Embiid to be doubtful for Game 1 vs. Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers don't expect star center Joel Embiid to participate in Monday's series opener against the Boston Celtics, head coach Doc Rivers said Saturday, according to Rich Hofmann of The Athletic.

"He didn’t do anything today. If I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful for at least Game 1, but we'll see," Rivers said.

Embiid hasn't played since suffering a sprained LCL in his right knee in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets on April 20. Despite Embiid not suiting up for Game 4, the 76ers completed the first-round sweep, affording the 29-year-old extra time to recover as the Celtics' series against the Atlanta Hawks went six contests.

Shortly after eliminating the Nets, Rivers estimated Embiid's availability for the start of the Eastern Conference semifinals at "50%, at best," according to NBC Sports' Noah Levick. The MVP finalist has since missed multiple practices.

Embiid registered 20 points, 11.3 rebounds, four assists, and 2.3 blocks per contest through Games 1-3 against Brooklyn. However, his injuries have derailed Philadelphia's previous playoff runs.

He played with a torn thumb ligament in last year's first round against the Toronto Raptors before suffering a concussion and orbital fracture in Philadelphia's series-clinching Game 6 victory. Those ailments forced him to miss the first two games of the East semis against the Miami Heat, with the 76ers losing by double digits in both contests en route to a six-game elimination.

Embiid also missed a first-round series win in 2021 against the Washington Wizards due to a knee issue but recovered in time to face the Atlanta Hawks in Round 2. An orbital fracture suffered late in the 2017-18 regular season requiring surgery caused him to miss Philadelphia's first two games of the playoffs that year. However, Embiid returned for Game 3 to help his side eliminate the Heat in five games.