2 min read • May 06, 2022
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Philadelphia star big man Joel Embiid has reportedly cleared concussion protocol, a key hurdle in his bid to return for Game 3 tonight against the Miami Heat.
Joel Embiid Injury Update
NBA policy dictates that a player cannot be listed as doubtful or questionable if he is still in concussion protocol. The Pro Basketball Docs detailed Thursday why Embiid's original status on the injury report could change ahead of tip off.
The Pro Basketball Docs remain optimistic that he can return and play through the right orbital fracture and right thumb injury in Game 3.
His orbital fracture did not require surgery, giving him a return to play timeline of 7-10 days. Friday marks the eighth day since he suffered the injury on a Pascal Siakam elbow late in Game 6.
He will wear a protective mask if he's cleared to play. However, the mask is not 100% effective and a wrong impact could make the fracture worse and potentially necessitate surgery.
If he plays, Embiid would carry a SIC player health score of 84 for the game, with the main downgrade for his lingering right thumb injury, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
His thumb will affect his game more than the orbital fracture, limiting his 3-point shooting ability and potentially creating ball security issues.
Embiid does have experience playing with a mask on. He did so in the 2018 playoffs after suffering a left orbital bone fracture in March 2018.
Game 3 Odds
The 76ers are 1.5 point underdogs at home in Game 3 and the over/under is 210.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Down 2-0 in the series, they are +4200 to win the NBA Finals.
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