The 76ers were the first team to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a sweep against the Nets, but they weren't able to escape the first round unscathed.
MVP award winner Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury in Game 3 of that series and was unable to play in Game 4. Entering a highly anticipated matchup against the Celtics, Embiid's status was up in the air, but he is back in the lineup and working back toward MVP form.
Here's everything we know about Embiid's injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
MORE: James Harden makes confident claim after Sixers' Game 1 win
What is Joel Embiid's injury?
Embiid suffered a right knee injury in the third quarter of Game 3 in Brooklyn after defending a drive by Nets forward Cameron Johnson. He managed to finish the game, but he could be seen noticeably limping several times during the second half.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the injury has been diagnosed as a sprained right LCL. NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark noted that Embiid may wear a brace on that knee in future playoff games.
Source confirms Joel Embiid has a sprained LCL. He may have to wear a brace for the knee when he returns. There is some hope that he can play towards the beginning of the Sixers second round series but he will be playing through a knee injury@ramonashelburne was first pic.twitter.com/JxirjN0vjA
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 25, 2023
How long will Joel Embiid be out?
Embiid will be in action for Game 3 against the Celtics. He will start alongside James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and P.J. Tucker.
tonight's starting five:
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 5, 2023
🔔@Tobias31
🔔P.J. Tucker
🔔@JoelEmbiid
🔔@JHarden13
🔔@TyreseMaxey
👕 @alscouniforms pic.twitter.com/IpTBo8YgtJ
Through three playoff games, Embiid is averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.0 steals.
76ers vs. Celtics schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the second-round series between Philadelphia and Boston:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| May 1 | 76ers 119, Celtics 115 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| May 3 | Celtics 121, 76ers 87 | 8 p.m. | TNT |
| May 5 | Game 3 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 7 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 9 | Game 5* | TBD | TNT |
| May 11 | Game 6* | TBD | ESPN |
| May 14 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
Joel Embiid career stats, highlights
- 27.2 points per game
- 11.2 rebounds per game
- 3.4 assists per game
- 1.7 blocks per game
- 3.4 turnovers per game
- 31.8 minutes per game
- 50.1 percent shooting
- 33.7 percent 3-point shooting
- 81.9 percent free throw shooting