The Philadelphia 76ers officially begin their second-round series with the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. However, Joel Embiid's status is still up in the air due to a knee injury. The Sixers obviously don't want to rush his recovery because ultimately they need their star player healthy for a hopeful title run.
Doc Rivers gave a small update on Embiid after practice on Saturday and made it quite clear that he is doubtful for the series opener without actually saying it.
Doc Rivers: Joel Embiid "did what he could do" today at practice. Still no live action.
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) June 5, 2021
Well, that doesn't sound good. At this point, the Sixers need to prepare like they won't have the big man for the first couple of games. Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris will need to step up heavily in the absence of Embiid, while the shooters must also get it going.
Philly will have to go smaller at times with Mike Scott at the five as well when Dwight Howard needs a rest. The veteran will be a key piece in countering Hawks big Clint Capela until Embiid returns.
At this point, the Sixers must be cautious with Embiid. Bringing him back too soon, as the Lakers did with Anthony Davis, could result in a much worse scenario where they don't have the Cameroonian at all. For now, the rest of the rotation must rise to the occasion.
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