Doc Rivers concerned with Sixers’ conditioning before Game 1 vs. Celtics
CAMDEN, N.J.–The Philadelphia 76ers have not played an NBA game since April 22 when they swept the Brooklyn Nets in Round 1 of the playoffs. They have been working in practice tirelessly to keep their rhythm before Game 1 against the Boston Celtics on Monday, but it isn’t real NBA games.
The rest that they have received is a big factor for Philadelphia. Of course, it doesn’t appear to have really helped Joel Embiid as coach Doc Rivers revealed that the big fella is doubtful for Game 1 meaning his injury is likely more serious than originally thought.
While the biggest concern is whether Embiid will play in this series or not, the Sixers are also concerned with their conditioning and keeping their rhythm after such a long layoff between Round 1 and Round 2.
“I’m more concerned of conditioning because no matter how much we run, and we ran a ton, it’s still not that game running,” said Rivers. “It’s still not running with adrenaline and so I’m probably more worried about rust and conditioning than I am anything else. We’ll be ready mentally for sure.”
The Sixers will be looking to try and steal a game at TD Garden either in Game 1 on Monday or Game 2 on Wednesday before the series shifts to the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia will have to rely on the likes of Paul Reed to step up his play in place of Embiid against a very good Celtics team.
