Joel Embiid's status for Game 1 of Philadelphia's playoff series is still unknown because of a cartilage tear in his knee.
The 76ers center remained day to day, and coach Doc Rivers said no decision has been made on the All-Star's availability for Game 1 against Atlanta.
The Sixers are set to open their second-round playoff series with the Hawks at home Sunday.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after he fell on the court during the first half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Washington Wizards, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoNick Wass)
Embiid has small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. He did not participate in live drills during Friday's practice.
“He's got to go through his treatment,” Rivers said Friday. “As far as when we were doing shooting and stuff like that, he looked great. It's too early (to rule him out). I don't want to say one way or the other. We'll just find that out.”
Embiid missed the Sixers' first-round Eastern Conference playoff clincher against Washington after he was hurt Monday.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) touches his right side after he fell on the court during the first half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Washington Wizards, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoNick Wass)
The 27-year-old Embiid averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds this season and was named an NBA MVP finalist.
The Sixers are the top seed in the Eastern Conference and will also host Game 2 on Tuesday.
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Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid practices before Game 5 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP PhotoMatt Slocum)
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will start Game 4 of his team’s first round playoff series Saturday despite a right thumb injury that forced him to practice with a brace Friday.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers said Embiid is expected to undergo an MRI. The team has “concern” about Embiid’s injury, Rivers said, but don’t believe it can get worse by playing.
“I think we already know what it is, to be honest, but we’ve just got to make sure,” Rivers said. “We feel like it’s not a great injury, and I’m just going to leave it at that.”
Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) walks away as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates the 76ers' overtime win with forward Tobias Harris (12) in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Toronto. (Nathan DenetteThe Canadian Press via AP)
Embiid hit a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in overtime Wednesday as Philadelphia beat Toronto 104-101 in Game 3. The 76ers lead the series 3-0 and can become the first team to advance to the second round with a win Saturday.
Embiid was not listed on the NBA injury report for Game 4.
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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates after making a tie-breaking 3-pointer, next to Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) during overtime in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Toronto. (Chris YoungThe Canadian Press via AP)
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) fouls Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) as 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) defends during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Toronto. (Chris YoungThe Canadian Press via AP)
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates with teammates Tobias Harris and Danny Green (14) after making a tie-breaking 3-pointer against the Toronto Raptors during overtime in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Toronto. (Chris YoungThe Canadian Press via AP)
