Joel Embiid, Jonah Bolden Are Game-Time Decisions for Game 1

The first game of the 2019 NBA Playoffs could end up being the most challenging for the Philadelphia 76ers. Not precisely due to the strength of their opponent though. It's more about the fact that the Sixers could be short-handed. We already heard enough about Joel Embiid's issues over the last two months. As he continues to deal with knee pain from tendinitis, Embiid will likely be questionable for the entire first series.

However, Embiid isn't the only one the Sixers have to worry about. They also have their hands full with his backup as well. Jonah Bolden, who has started in Embiid's absence has been dealing with a nagging knee injury himself. He was listed as day-to-day for the few final games of the regular season, but now his timetable for return could overlap into the postseason. As of Saturday afternoon, both Embiid and Bolden are listed as game-time decisions, according to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter, Keith Pompey.

On Friday, the Sixers announced Embiid as a partial participant on the practice injury report. However, Brett Brown confirmed that he would not practice. Later on Friday night, word got out that Embiid will be listed as doubtful on the injury report. He was spotted warming up with a knee brace on Saturday afternoon, but his final decision won't get made until moments before tip-off.

As for Bolden, he's in the same situation. By the sound of it though, Brown seems to be leaning towards not having both guys available. We're under the assumption that Boban Marjanovic gets the start if both guys are ruled out before tip-off, but Brown won't commit to that idea as of right now.

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