NBA Rumors: After sustaining an injury in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors, Joel Embiid is expected to miss the start of the series vs. the Miami Heat.
The Eastern Conference semifinals matchup between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers was set to be one of the most entertaining series in the playoffs (and that was simply on the pre-series storylines).
However, now, all that is in jeopardy. The Heat and Sixers are still slated to face off in the semifinals; Game 1 is set for May 2. Though, at least to start the series, the Sixers will have to take on the Heat without Joel Embiid.
Embiid has been playing through pain this postseason after sustaining a torn ligament in his right thumb -- and now this orbital fracture, concussion, and will now be sidelined. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/3q9BPF9VAv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 30, 2022
This injury is unfortunate considering that Embiid was having an MVP-level season and was coming off a dominating performance in the first round of the playoffs against the Toronto Raptors.
Without Embiid, the Sixers have struggled this season. Philly was only 6-8 this season without Embiid. Even though most of those games came before the James Harden trade, this current situation has to be concerning for the Sixers.
Going up against the No. 1 seed was a tall task enough for the Sixers; having to do so without their MVP and the one player in this series that could single-handedly dominate the paint, and they are going to have much more of an uphill climb.
The hope is Embiid will be able to return at some point in this series. But, at least for Game 1, Embiid is listed as “out”. It’s not exactly sure if both injuries are holding Embiid out of Game 1 or if it’s just the concussion.
As of note, however, Embiid missed a few weeks with a similar injury like this one a few years ago.
Joel Embiid missed 3 weeks when he fractured his orbital bone 4 years ago and returned to play in the playoffs with a mask… Against the Heat
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 30, 2022
This is just terrible news for Joel dealing with another tough injury pic.twitter.com/vAO2gtvLdx
If we don’t see Embiid at all in this series, it’s hard to see the Sixers not only being competitive but winning many games.
If there’s anything we know about Embiid, however, it’s that he’s going to try and return as soon as possible. Based on previous timelines, there’s a chance he won’t be back unless the Sixers advance. That’s unfortunate.