New Report Gives Optimism For A Potential Joel Embiid Return

The Philadelphia 76ers were delivered a huge blow after their series-clinching game against the Raptors when it was revealed that they’d be without Joel Embiid for a little while.

Even though the Sixers were up by 30 points with under four minutes remaining in game six, Embiid was still in there. And after suffering a blow to the face from Pascal Siakam, it was reported that the star big man suffered a facial fracture to go along with a concussion.

Immediately, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers took the blame for keeping Joel Embiid in the game for so long.

Doc Rivers Gets Trashed After Joel Embiid’s Bombshell Injury Newshttps://t.co/uPjxTdx7JI

— SideAction (@SideActionHQ) April 30, 2022

But a new report must provide a small amount of relief for Doc.

According to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, there is ‘optimism’ that Joel Embiid can return as early as Game 3 of the Heat series.

“Joel Embiid won’t travel for Games 1 and 2 in Miami, but there’s optimism he could return as soon as either Game 3 or 4 in Philadelphia. He needs to clear concussion protocols and see doctor mid-week on his orbital fracture. More on NBA Countdown at 12:30 ET on ABC,” Wojnarowski tweeted.

ESPN Sources: Joel Embiid won’t travel for Games 1 and 2 in Miami, but there’s optimism he could return as soon as either Game 3 or 4 in Philadelphia. He needs to clear concussion protocols and see doctor mid-week on his orbital fracture. More on NBA Countdown at 12:30 ET on ABC.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 1, 2022

If the Sixers want any sort of chance of advancing against the #1 seeded Heat, they’ll not only need Joel Embiid to play, but he’ll have to take over.

All season long, Philly has called on Embiid to lead the charge when Ben Simmons was on his hiatus followed by James Harden’s underwhelming arrival.

But now, Harden and the other Sixers role players are going to have to step up in a big way to try to keep things interesting until Joel Embiid returns.

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