Having missed the past three weeks with a fractured orbital bone, Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid is obviously itching to get back on the court. That was taken to a whole new level after Philadelphia dropped Game 2 of its first-round series against Miami on Monday to even things up at 1-1.
With Game 3 set to take place in South Beach on Thursday, the hope is that Embiid will be able to make his long-awaited return to the court.
Though, Sixers head coach Brett Brown doesn’t seem overly optimistic that this is going to be the case.
Embiid status for gm 3 undetermined, Brett Brown just said at 76ers practice in Overtown.Asked if optimistic about it, Brown said "neutral"
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 18, 2018
Following some rather interesting comments from Embiid on social media after Monday’s loss, Brown pretty much chalked it up to passion on the part of the All-Star.
https://twitter.com/World_Wide_Wob/status/986093771656966145
If the Sixers do indeed hold Embiid out for the all-important Game 3 matchup in Miami, we can expect the center to take to social media again. He obviously feels well enough to return. But the Sixers and their medial staff seem to have other ideas.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this prior to Game 3 Thursday evening.
Update: The Sixers are officially listing Embiid as doubtful for the game.
Medical Update:
Joel Embiid – (orbital bone fracture, left eye) is doubtful for tomorrow night’s game at Miami.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 18, 2018