Elton Brand casted doubt on whether Joel Embiid would be healthy enough to play in game 1 of the NBA playoffs this weekend.

"I’m optimistic that he’ll be ready this weekend, and that he’s doing everything to get back. Of course, he’s the major key. We see the difference between when Joel is out there and when he’s not," said Brand. 

Embiid has sat out 14 of the last 24 games due to load management. 

Brand admitted that there was a "possibility" that Brand would not play this weekend.

Brand added that he expects the 76ers to go deep into the playoffs regardless.

"My goal and my expectation is to definitely get past where we got last year with this team. That’s why I made those moves. We got to the second round (last season). We lost to Boston. So I expect us to pass that."