Doc Rivers says Joel Embiid's status for G2 will be 'health-based' - ESPN

BOSTON — Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers said that although superstar center Joel Embiid worked out Tuesday afternoon, he expects the possible NBA MVP to remain doubtful for Game 2 of Philadelphia's series against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night because of the LCL sprain in his right knee.

«There's no change in his status,» Rivers said before the team conducted a film session at its hotel Tuesday afternoon. «But he's working out today. He is over there with some of our guys right now, and I'll get the report when he gets back. But the fact that he is doing that is a step forward, for sure.»

The fact that Philadelphia's stunning victory in Game 1, powered by a stellar 45-point performance from James Harden, stole home court away from the Celtics in the series gives credence to the idea that the 76ers can hold Embiid out of Game 2, and give him a couple of extra days to prepare to return to the court in Game 3 back in Philadelphia Friday night.

Rivers, however, said that the decision-making process for the 76ers will be health-based, and the Game 1 victory won't have any impact on it.

«It's just health-based,» Rivers said. «If he can play, he plays. If he can't, he can't. And if it's 50-50, we would probably err on other side [and not have him play], because we've done that all year.»

While Rivers said Embiid has done some work in the pool, it isn't the same as basketball conditioning. He also admitted his rotations might have to shift in order to accommodate for Embiid getting tired after nearly two weeks sidelined with the injury, which he suffered while trying to contest a shot by Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson in the third quarter of Game 3 of that series.

Embiid finished that game but had a large amount