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Sixers’ Joel Embiid Underwent PRP Injection Before Celtics Series

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 5/1/23

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to begin their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The biggest question looming around the franchise is the health of All-Star center and possible NBA MVP, Joel Embiid.

Embiid suffered a knee injury in the team’s first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. In Game 3 on April 21st, he suffered what was originally diagnosed as a Grade 1 LCL sprain. However, in the following days, it has been revealed that the injury was worse than originally thought.

Embiid is still listed as doubtful for Game 1, but he is doing everything in his power to get on the court with his teammates. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, during an episode of Run It Back on FanDuel TV, Embiid even underwent platelet-rich plasma treatment on his knee to help the recovery process.

From Run It Back on @FanDuelTV: The latest surrounding 76ers star Joel Embiid, who, sources say, underwent platelet-rich plasma treatment on his injured knee as part of his recovery process: pic.twitter.com/EWsEuETHn6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 1, 2023

Unfortunately for Embiid and the 76ers, navigating injuries to their star big man has become commonplace in the postseason. But, regardless of how serious the injury is, he always fights through it to try and help his teammates on the court.

As pointed out by Charania, Embiid played through a torn meniscus during the 2021 postseason when the 76ers were eliminated in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks. Last year, he suffered an orbital bone fracture and was battling through ligament damage to his thumb.

No one will ever question Embiid’s toughness. He has defied the odds before, but the feeling within the organization this time around is that it would take a miracle for him to get on the court.

While Embiid is doing everything he can to improve and be able to get up and down the court, at what point does the franchise step in and save the player for themselves? Pushing to play in Game 1 could cause more damage to his knee, which would jeopardize not only this postseason but negatively impact the 2023-24 campaign as well.

If Embiid is unable to suit up, expect Paul Reed to step into his spot in the starting line. He was called upon in Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets, joining James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and P.J. Tucker. Reed played very well in his spot start, scoring 10 points with 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 31:55 of playing time.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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