2 min read • April 22, 2022
Posted in
Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid reportedly injured his right thumb in the Game 3 overtime victory over the Raptors.
There have been conflicting reports about the severity of the injury, but Embiid is dead-set on playing through the pain, and Adrian Wojnarowski reported that he will be available for the potential series-clinching Game 4 on Saturday night.
That pain, depending on how significant, will be the only consequence of the injury, according to our ProBasketballDocs. Embiid, who has played through significant postseason injuries throughout his career, shouldn't be slowed by the thumb injury and will start Game 4 with an SIC Health score of 89.
Because of the injury, Embiid will likely limit the number of threes and other jump-shots he takes and live on the low block and the free throw line where he has been most dominant in his career.
Concern over the injury should be dampened for the time being.
Shams Charania has reported there's fear of a torn ligament and Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reporting that the 28-year-old is experiencing pain and discomfort in his right thumb, with an MRI possible in the near future.
A video review of Wednesday's Game 3 showed that Embiid appeared to suffer an injury while attempting to steal the ball from Raptors' forward Precious Achiuwa mid-way through the third quarter. Embiid swiped down at the ball, then immediately grabbed at his right thumb in pain, continuing to hold onto his thumb on the next possession.
It is likely, however, that he initially injured his thumb earlier in the game, as he came out donning a soft cast wrapped on his wrist and thumb to begin the second half.
The MVP candidate remained in the game and eventually drained the game-winning 3 in overtime to sink Toronto.
Regardless of how and when he suffered the injury, or even which ligament was damaged, Embiid should be able to play through with little impact.
In Game 2, he hyperextended his right elbow and later returned to the game.
As of Friday afternoon, the 76ers, who lead 3-0, were favored by 3 points for Saturday's contest against Toronto, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Written by
