Sixers Injury Report: Joel Embiid's Absence Sparks Worries of Philly Fans

Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers v Brooklyn Nets - Game Three

(Photo : Sarah Stier / Staff) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Joel Embiid (#21) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against Royce O'Neale (#00) of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The 76ers won 102-97.

Joel Embiid was absent from the Philadelphia 76ers' second-round playoff match versus the Boston Celtics due to an injury on his right knee.

The injury occurred during Game 3 of the first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. He didn't play in the next game, which Philadelphia won to finish the first round with a sweep.

Read More: Sixers Injury Report: Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid, Unable to Run

Although Embiid attended the team's shootaround on Monday, he was unable to play in the game due to concerns about his inability to run, which could impact his conditioning and the knee injury itself. As a result, Philadelphia supporters are having a variety of reactions as they brace themselves for the worst-case scenario.

Joel Embiid is OUT for Game 1 vs. Celtics pic.twitter.com/OrKSAU6caT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 1, 2023

Celtics taking this series
— Snack Cake The OG (@SnackCakeTheOG) May 1, 2023

These players play too many games.
— SoM-Commando (@SoMCommando) May 1, 2023

If it's what they say it is, you can't further injure it.
— Nicholas 🌮 (@5_ranking) May 1, 2023

They'll never have a better shot than this.
— Charlie Jamieson (@CharlieJamies14) May 1, 2023

Embiid is one of the contenders for the MVP race. Embiid attained his second consecutive scoring title this season by averaging 33.1 points. He also maintained an average of 10.2 rebounds and matched his best with 4.2 assists per game. He appeared in 66 games, the second most he has ever played in a single season.

Now that the Milwaukee Bucks are eliminated, the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics in the playoffs seems like it could be the actual Eastern Conference Finals, as the victorious team would be heavily favored over the Heat or Knicks. This potential face-off between two of the top three NBA teams should excite fans, but apprehensions regarding Joel Embiid's knee injury and his availability at the start of the series have dampened the mood.

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