When will Joel Embiid return to play for the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that Joel Embiid has cleared concussion protocols, and is now listed as doubtful for Game 3 of the semifinal round.
The Philadelphia 76ers need superstar center Joel Embiid’s magic for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat, and they are one step closer to getting it back.
Embiid cleared for concussion but not for facial fracture
The NBA MVP candidate has cleared concussion protocols and took part in team practice on Friday morning. He still needs to clear another hurdle, as he has been listed as doubtful for Friday night’s game due to a facial fracture. This is still a sign of progress, as he was previously listed as out for the match. He sustained the injury when Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors elbowed his face last week.
Embiid’s status could still change before game time. He has played through a similar orbital injury before, wearing a mask in the 2018 playoffs when the Boston Celtics defeated them in the semifinal series.
Philadelphia is hopeful that he will be able to play tonight, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania has reported that the big man has been fitted for a mask. But the team still has a wait-and-see attitude as far as the return of their best player is concerned.
Sixers need Embiid to bounce back against Heat
The five-time NBA All-Star is a major part of the Sixers’ championship campaign, recording a league-leading 30.6 points per game during the regular season. He also contributed an average of 11.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
The 76ers desperately need a win, as they currently trail the Heat 0-2 in the series. Miami beat them by double digits in Games 1 and 2 without their center.
The Philadelphia 76ers face the Miami Heat at home on tonight, May 6, at the Wells Fargo Center. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.