Payton Pritchard wasn’t aware of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ injury report hours before the Game 3 matchup in Philly on Friday night.
When the standout guard was notified that Embiid was upgraded, Pritchard had just a one-word reaction: “Nice,” he said.
According to last year’s Sixth Man of the Year, the Celtics haven’t been thinking about the superstar center much as they navigate through the first-round series against the 76ers.
“I don’t think we talked about it all,” Pritchard told reporters.
Despite Embiid seeing a slight upgrade in status on the injury report, it’s clear that Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff aren’t worried in the slightest.
“If he plays he plays, we’ll figure that out. It’s not like we’re sitting here worried if he’s playing or not … we haven’t even game-planned for him yet.”
The Celtics Remain Confident After A Stunning Loss
Following the NBA’s slate of Game 1 matchups, the Celtics-Sixers game was among the most lopsided scores. The Sixers were dominated by Boston. It left many questioning whether the Sixers would be able to avoid a sweep or not.
Just two nights later, the NBA world got its answer.
Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points, while dishing out nine assists and coming down with four rebounds against the Celtics.
The rookie VJ Edgecombe dropped 30 points, making it a double-double outing with 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action.
The 76ers defeated the Celtics 111-97.
Heading into Game 3, the series is tied 1-1. Joel Embiid is making enough progress to pose a threat–but the Celtics clearly are feeling fazed by it.
If Not Game 3–Then When?
That’s the million-dollar question in Philadelphia.
“We’re, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he’s really hopeful,” 76ers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “He wants to play, and we want him to play. I don’t know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there’s some progress being made. Let’s hope it keeps that way. Keeps going that way.”
Without an official timeline from the 76ers, predictions from outside medical professionals are all anybody has to go off of.
Most suggested that Embiid could make a full recovery in two to four weeks. Thursday marked the two-week milestone. Embiid has fired up his strength and conditioning, along with being a partial participant in what was described as a light practice.
Game 3 won’t happen. Embiid is officially ruled out after spending the day doubtful. Once Friday’s matchup is in the rearview, the status on the injury report could see another slight upgrade, depending on the progress Embiid makes at the start of the weekend.