There's not a bigger talking point out there about the Philadelphia 76ers' upcoming series opener in the second round against the Boston Celtics than the status of Joel Embiid. At the moment, Embiid's availability for Game 1 at TD Garden remains up in the air. However, the Sixers are seemingly trying all they can to boost the chances of the MVP candidate playing this Monday night.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, he was told that Joel Embiid had received a “platelet-rich plasma treatment on his injured knee.” Charania also shared the thought that it would be considered a “miracle” if Embiid ultimately plays in Game 1 of the Celtics series.

For what it's worth Embiid has been seen throwing shots up at the Sixers' morning shootaround Monday.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) steals the ball from Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the second quarter at Delta Center.
Bill Simmons brainstorms Paul George for Lauri Markkanen 76ers-Jazz tradePreston Byers ·
Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz (20) is doused with water by guard Ben Simmons (25) and center Amir Johnson (5) after recording his first triple double in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
76ers' Daryl Morey in the middle with Nick Nurse on one side and Joel Embiid on the other
2 players Philadelphia 76ers must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftTroy Finnegan ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball in the second half against the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
76ers rumors: Insider getting ‘mixed signals’ on No. 3 pick amid Ace Bailey debateJake Faigus ·
Jared McCain, Philadephia 76ers, Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat, Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks, NBA Finals
Dyson Daniels, Matas Buzelis highlight NBA Finals correspondents for Thunder-PacersTomer Azarly ·
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Tobias Harris clowns Paul George, 76ers for post-Super Bowl strugglesRichard Pereira ·

That's a good sign for Joel Embiid's availability but it does appear still that he will be a game-time decision.

Embiid and the Sixers got a bit of help from the Atlanta Hawks when Trae Young and company extended their first-round series versus the Celtics to six games, giving the Philadelphia center extra days of rest.

In the Sixers' first-round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, Joel Embiid averaged just 20 points on 46.2 percent shooting from the field, while also grabbing 11.3 rebounds across four games.

If Embiid can't give it a go in Game 1, the Sixers will have to increase the load on the shoulders of the likes of James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris, while giving more minutes to Montrezl Harrell, who played just a total of six minutes in the first round.