Why Stephen A. Smith Thinks Joel Embiid Should Sit Game 2 Vs. Celtics

There might be fear the 76ers center is rushing his recovery

by

May 3, 2023

Joel Embiid is expected back with the 76ers for Game 2 against the Celtics at TD Garden, but it's possible the star center might be rushing too soon to play Wednesday night.

Philadelphia has been without Embiid since Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets on April 20, but the 76ers beat Boston without him thanks to a historic performance from James Harden.

The Celtics will look to play with more purpose in Game 2 to avoid going down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series, and Embiid's return won't make things easier. But Stephen A. Smith cautioned the 29-year-old, who was named NBA MVP on Tuesday, from rushing his return to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

"I think it is a mistake," Smith said on "First Take," per ESPN video. "I don't believe that Embiid should play (Wednesday). You got the game you wanted in Boston. I think that Boston is desperate. They come out here (Wednesday), and I think that if you're Embiid, to me, I would use that additional few days as rest and come back for Game 3, ready to go for the rest of this series. Me personally, because of his healthy, his shaky history of health -- I understand for some people it might not a big difference, Game 2, Game 3. What's the big difference? Me personally, I think with the 76ers having gotten Game 1, I personally think he should wait, miss Game 2 and then come back ready Game 3 and do his thing."

Embiid is 1-8 against the Celtics in his playoff career, according to Stat Muse. While that stat has a lot of noise behind it, that could be motivation to return, along with taking a 2-0 series lead back to Philadelphia.

If this season's MVP does sit, it would be a big break for the Celtics, who could be without Marcus Smart after he was listed questionable Tuesday due to a chest contusion.

Tipoff from TD Garden is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Thumbnail photo via Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports Images
Philadelphia 76ers' James Harden and Joel Embiid, Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon
Previous Article

How Celtics Mentally Adjusting To Joel Embiid Game 2 Uncertainty

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy
Next Article

Charlie McAvoy Explains ‘Hardest Part’ Of Dealing With Early Exit

Picked For You