NBA Playoffs 2021: Joel Embiid will play through knee injury in Game 1 vs. Atlanta Hawks

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Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid will reportedly be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, playing through a meniscus tear in his right knee.

After going through physical therapy leading up to Game 1, the All-Star centre will give it a go for the top-seeded Sixers.

"He's got to go through his treatment," head coach Doc Rivers said on 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."

MORE: Expert medical analysis on Embiid's meniscus tear | Preview: Sixers face tricky test vs. Hawks

The 27-year-old missed the 76ers series-clinching Game 5 win over the Washington Wizards after taking a hard fall in Game 4 and is undergoing physical therapy to manage the injury.

“He’s a big piece of his team,” Hawks point guard Trae Young said. “If he’s not able to go, they’re a different type of team. We’re definitely preparing like he’s going to be ready.”

The 76ers will host the Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center in Game 1, scheduled for Sunday, June 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET. 

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Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.