Despite being listed as doubtful due to a sprained LCL in his right knee, the likely NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, participated in Philadelphia's shootaround on Monday morning.
According to Shams Charania, the 76ers’ star underwent a PRP treatment on the injured knee, and people around the team would consider it a “miracle” if he suits up Monday night.
Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck is ready for the Sixers
It’s no secret Philadelphia is a much better team with Embiid on the court. In 66 regular-season games this season with Embiid, the team was a +426 with him on the court. Without Embiid, they were -185.
Though Philadelphia will likely be without Embiid, the Celtics know this 76ers lineup can still present some challenges. After all, the team was still 11-5 without Embiid this season.
“It’s a great team with or without him,” Robert Williams said, “We just got to be ready for a hard fighting team… Preparation is the same”.
Derrick White offered a similar sentiment in regards to the 76ers.
"He’s [Embiid] most likely the MVP, does a lot of things for them, but they got a lot of good players on this team," White said. "So whether he plays or doesn’t play we need to have the same mindset."
One thing to watch with Embiid out will be the guard play for the 76ers, specifically James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. If Embiid isn’t able to go, Philadelphia is going to have to rely heavily on their guards.
“Harden, we all know what he has done in this league,” White said. “Can score from all different levels… Maxey is as fast as anyone in the league and has been shooting it really well, so he’s definitely a tough cover.”
Harden’s play may be overshadowed by that of Embiid, but the 33-year-old is still a very dangerous player in the league. Harden averaged a double-double this season, averaging 21.0 points per game and 10.7 assists per game. Harden’s 10.7 assists per game led the NBA.
In four games against the Celtics this season, Harden averaged 25.5 points and 9.0 assists, while shooting 47.5% from the field. While Boston is catching a massive break with a banged up Embiid, the duo of Harden and Maxey is something Boston can’t afford to overlook.