Rivers: Embiid a ‘lot better,’ but return unclear

MIAMI — Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers said Joel Embiid is feeling “a lot better” but remains uncertain about his potential return to the court.

“I know he did something yesterday, but not much, and I know he’s feeling a lot better,” Rivers said before Philadelphia practiced Tuesday afternoon “I don’t want to give false hope either. So I’ll just stop there.”

Embiid missed Philadelphia’s 106-92 loss in Game 1 of the 76ers’ Eastern Conference semifinal against the Miami Heat because of a right facial fracture and concussion he suffered when he was hit in the face by a Pascal Siakam elbow in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s win over the Raptors in Toronto to close out the first-round series.

Embiid has already been ruled out for Game 2 on Wednesday night, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting he could return as soon as Game 3 on Friday or Game 4 on Sunday back in Philadelphia.

Four years ago, Embiid missed three weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a left facial fracture, including missing the first two games of Philadelphia’s first-round series victory over the Heat.

Every other member of the 76ers is expected to be able to play in Game 2.