NEW YORK — Joel Embiid’s right knee was sore — and already swelling — following the 76ers’ Game 3 win over the Brooklyn Nets Thursday night, coach Doc Rivers said.
That’s what triggered Friday’s MRI, which revealed the sprain that kept him out for Saturday’s Game 4 at Barclays Center. Beyond that, however, Rivers said he is unsure how long the injury will sideline the MVP frontrunner.
Paul Reed started at center Saturday in the Sixers' series-clinching sweep. The Sixers went 11-5 without Embiid during the regular season, when he battled foot soreness and calf tightness at times.
Rivers said he spoke to Embiid Friday night, and understood any frustration the big man feels about another playoff injury.
”This is another obstacle in the story that we’re going to write this year,” Rivers said he told Embiid. “You’re going to be OK. It may take a minute, but this is just part of it.”
