Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid started in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Embiid had been considered a game-time decision after suffering a small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.

He was injured when he fell during a Game 4 loss to the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs. He missed Philadelphia's series-clinching win in Game 5.

The Sixers said the injury will be addressed not with surgery but with a physical therapy and treatment program.

This season was the best of Embiid's NBA career, as the 27-year-old averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting career bests from the field (51.3%), 3-point range (37.7%) and the free throw line (85.9%) in 52 games, leading the Sixers to the best record in the Eastern Conference. He was also named a finalist for the league's MVP award.

The Sixers are 42-13 with Embiid in the lineup and 11-11 without him.

Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter will not play in the opener because of a sore right knee.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.