PHILADELPHIA -- Joel Embiid, who had been listed as doubtful, started for the 76ers in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, scoring 22 points in 24 minutes as Philadelphia lost its opener 111-102.
The All-Star center, who has been suffering from tendinitis in his left knee that cost him most of the final month of the regular season, shot 5-for-15 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3-point range. He had 15 rebounds and five blocks.
Embiid, who is averaging 27.5 points and 11.1 rebounds, has been hurt since the All-Star break. An MRI in February revealed no structural damage.
Embiid missed 14 of the final 24 games of the regular season and played just 64 this season. His injury history offers no assurances that his body can hold up over two months and the possible 28 games needed to win a title.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
