Celtics vs Sixers Game 1: Joel Embiid Doubtful to Play Due to Right Knee Injury

• The Sixers center is expected to be listed as doubtful for Game 1 against Boston
• Joel Embiid injured his right knee in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets
• Embiid was the Sixers' best player against the Celtics during the regular season

Doc Rivers delivered worrying news ahead of the Sixers’ series opener against the Boston Celtics.

The 61-year-old head coach announced on Saturday that he expects Philadelphia center Joel Embiid to be listed as doubtful for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Rivers told reporters that Embiid wasn’t able to get any work in on Saturday because of his knee injury.

Embiid injures knee vs. Nets 

Embiid injured his right knee during Game 3 of Philadelphia’s first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, per Yahoo! Sports.

James Harden, Joel Embiid lead Sixers to Game 1 rout of Nets

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The Cameroonian big man picked up the injury early in the second half when he landed awkwardly after contesting Brooklyn forward Cam Johnson’s shot attempt.

Embiid played through the pain and made a game-saving block on Spencer Dinwiddie in the dying seconds to preserve the win for Philadelphia.

After complaining of soreness behind his right knee, he had the injury checked out following that contest.

Embiid suffered a right knee LCL sprain and missed Game 4 of that series against the Nets.

Shams Charania later reported that Embiid's right knee injury is "considered to be more serious" than a Grade 1 LCL sprain.

Huge loss for Philly 

Embiid missing the series opener is concerning for the Sixers as he was their best player against the Celtics during their regular season encounters.

He wreaked havoc against Boston this season, averaging 36.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks in four games. 

Philadelphia 76ers use three-point barrage to bury Brooklyn Nets in Game 1

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With Embiid possibly sidelined for Game 1 and beyond, the onus is on James Harden to carry the scoring cudgels for Philadelphia.

Harden averaged 17.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game in the first-round series against Brooklyn.

Kings stun Warriors

Sports Brief recently reported on the Kings' win over the Warriors in Game 6.

Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox starred for Sacramento, combining for 54 points in the Kings' 118-99 win.

Three other players scored in double figures for the Kings, who will host Game 7 this coming Sunday.