Joel Embiid may reportedly attempt to make his return to Game 3 of the series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, there is optimism the superstar center will make his return tonight.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports previously reported that Embiid cleared concussion protocol and participated in Friday’s shootaround. At the same time, the Sixers upgraded Embiid’s status from out to doubtful earlier today.
There’s optimism Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will return tonight in Game 3 vs. Heat, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. He has been fitted for a mask and will need to feel comfortable before green light. One of the NBA's great play-through-pain efforts recently. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 6, 2022
He has been sidelined since suffering an orbital fracture and mild concussion in Game 6 of Philadelphia’s first-round series against the Toronto Raptors more than a week ago. The Sixers are down 2-0 in the semifinal series vs Miami.
The 76ers struggled to find success against the Heat’s front-line with Paul Reed, DeAndre Jordan and Georges Niang. Embiid, an MVP candidate this season, was excellent in the first round series against the Toronto Raptors that ended in six games (4-2) for Philadelphia.
The superstar big has averaged 26.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in six games in the playoffs. Game 3 against Miami Friday is an important one for the 76ers, as going down 3-0 would perhaps be a hole too deep to dig out.
As a result, Embiid could push himself to return Friday as the Sixers’ front line has been clearly outplayed by Bam Adebayo and the rest of the Miami Heat bigs.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid cleared concussion protocol and participated in today’s shootaround, but he remains out tonight in Game 3 against the Miami Heat. — Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 6, 2022
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