Joel Embiid injury updates: 76ers star returns Game 3 vs. Heat

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid suffered a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion that sidelinde him for the start of the second round against the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Embiid was already playing through a torn ligament in his right thumb.

The Sixers lost the first two games of the series without Embiid in Miami. As the series returns to Philly, Embiid has cleared concussion protocols and will play in Game 3.

Here’s the original Embiid injury report from April 29.

Embiid suffered the injury when he was struck in the head by Raptors forward Pascal Siakam on a late fourth quarter drive in Philly’s Game 6 victory over Toronto. Watch the play here:

Obviously, this is a devastating injury for the Sixers. Philly was likely slated to be a slight underdog against the Heat in the second round, but there reasons for optimism started with Embiid being the best player in the series. The center made another strong run at MVP this year, and had some phenomenal moments against Toronto in the first round. The Sixers’ chances in the series hinge on Embiid being able to take the floor and regain his superstar level of play.

The Heat have their own injury issues heading into the series. Kyle Lowry is battling a hamstring injury, Jimmy Butler has a knee injury, and P.J. Tucker has a calf injury.

Embiid has been playing at an MVP level all season, and has carried the Sixers to a 4-2 series in the first round over the Raptors with his incredible play on both ends of the court.

Here’s the latest on his injury:

We’ll update this story as it develops.