James Harden, Sixers discuss latest on Joel Embiid ahead of Game 1

CAMDEN, N.J.–Another day, another Joel Embiid update as the Philadelphia 76ers move forward to prepare for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics. The Sixers have been practicing all week in preparation for the Cs and Sunday was another opportunity to do so before the semifinals begin.

Embiid was seen shooting around after practice on Sunday afternoon and it gave some hope that maybe the big fella will be ready to go for Monday. He has been dealing with a sprained LCL in his right knee and he has been listed as doubtful for Game 1.

For the Sixers, they will need Embiid to have any shot to beat the Celtics in this series. The James Harden-Embiid duo has been terrific out on the floor so The Beard will need his star teammate out there with him.

“We communicate often,” said Harden. “Especially, these last few days as far as him and how he feels and things like that. I think today (Sunday) was his first time shooting. It’s up to Joel. It’s up to him when his body feels like he’s ready to come back or even if his body isn’t 100%, he’s still like ‘I’m gonna go out there and hoop and try and figure it out’ so that’s all on him.”

Harden is correct that it will be on Embiid and his pain tolerance at this point. He has had plenty of time off and it will be on him to see if he can give it a go.

“I think nobody in the world can have that mindset other than Joel Embiid,” Harden added. “Obviously, we know the value that he brings to our team and what he’s been doing all year long so when he’s ready to come back and hoop, he feels like he’s ready, obviously, we’ll be waiting for him. Until then, we gotta go out there and try and win a basketball game. One game at a time. So that’s our mindset as a team.”

While Embiid was able to get some shots up on Sunday, he still hasn’t been able to do any running and that’s the biggest issue at the moment.

“He did a little bit more,” added coach Doc Rivers. “Not much. He didn’t do any running or anything like that but, you know, just did some shooting and stuff. So he’s better. He’s progressing.”

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The Sixers will have hope, but they will also be realistic in what they respect from the big fella.

“There’s been optimism all along, but there’s also really—you got to be realistic and I just don’t know,” said Rivers. “Still doubtful, but he’s improving daily and that’s good for us.”

The Sixers will take on the Celtics at 7:30 p.m. EDT in Game 1 on Monday.

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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire