Joel Embiid Unlikely to Play in Game 1 of Playoffs After Surgery on Eye Injury

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid told reporters Wednesday that he's "unlikely" to play in Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series. 

However, he stopped short of ruling himself out entirely. 

"Unlikely, but there's still a chance," Embiid said, according to The Athletic's Derek Bodner. 

"Obviously, I want to play, but right now I feel like I'm not ready yet," he added. "It's getting there. Just got to keep working every day. But with the way it's been progressing, I'm hopeful to be back soon."  

Embiid suffered a fractured orbital bone and concussion when he inadvertently collided with Markelle Fultz during the Sixers' 118-101 win over the New York Knicks on March 28. He subsequently underwent surgery to repair the fracture and has made progress in his recovery over the last two weeks. 

On April 6, the Sixers announced surgeons were "pleased" with how Embiid's face was healing, although they stopped short of providing a timetable for a return. 

Embiid is also progressing through the NBA's concussion protocol and has been cleared to begin non-contact cardiovascular exertion activity. 

In his second pro season, the 24-year-old pieced together an All-NBA-caliber campaign. Over 63 appearances, he averaged 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field. 

New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis was the only other player (minimum 50 games played) to average at least 22 points, 11 boards and 1.5 blocks this season.