NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid out for Games 1, 2 vs. Miami; Game 3 return?

NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, Joel Embiid is expected to be out for Games 1 and 2, leaving the door open for a possible return in Game 3.

As the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers prepare on the eve of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the latter got some good news regarding their NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid.

After being listed as out indefinitely with a fractured orbital bone and a concussion, there is optimism that Embiid could return for Game 3 against the Heat. Of course, the unfortunate part of this is that he’s slated to miss Game 1 and 2 in Miami. Embiid did not travel with the team.

Game 1 is slated for Monday night.

Considering that there was an outside chance that Embiid would miss the series entirely, it’s good news that he has a chance to return for Game 3, which will be Friday night in Philadelphia. Of course, he would have to pass concussion protocol first.

If he can get passed that ailment, it appears he is going to try and play through the orbital fracture (probably with the use of a face mask, something he wore in the playoffs a few years ago).

The Sixers have struggled this season without Embiid, going 6-8 without the big man in the lineup. In his absence, if the Sixers are going to be competitive against the top-seeded Heat, they’re likely going to need big performances from James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and the rest of the supporting cast.

Miami is dealing with their own injury concerns as Kyle Lowry, the team’s starting point guard, is listed as out for Game 1. This series could simply come down to which team will be able to overcome their respective injuries better – the Sixers with the loss of Embiid or the Heat with the loss of Lowry.

It all begins to play out in Game 1, Monday night.