Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against the Toronto Raptors in Game 4? 
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Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid suffered a wrist injury in Game 3 against Toronto Raptors. Though he finished the game, he was seen practicing with a soft cast around the wrist. Moreover, the Philadelphia 76ers marquee intends to play in the next game, the severity of the injury needs some assessment.
The Sixers team is on roll right now winning all 3 initial games against the Raptors in the first-round. One big reason for their dominance is superstar Joel Embiid’s strong performances on the hardcourt. But as per reports, Joel Embiid was playing through a potentially serious right thumb injury in a very recent game. ESPN reporters updated that Embiid suffered an injury in 2nd half of Game 3, and still played through the pain. Joel did Friday’s practice wearing a soft cast and intends to play in the next game.
As per Sham Charania of Athletic, the 76ers fear Joel Embiid has a torn ligament in his right thumb. And further assessment will be carried out to check on the severity of the ailment.
Philadelphia powerhouse – Joel Embiid
After missing out on the regular-season MVP award, “The Process” is working hard on the post-season’s MVP award. He not only carried the team to the postseason but continued his impact in the postseason also. 28-years old star is in his prime, making some great plays with the team.
With architect Doc Rivers guiding them in 2022, Philly is playing free-flowing basketball putting Joel in the center of most of the moves. The mid-season trade for James Harden gave Embiid additional help, but he remains the franchise player in the City of Brotherly Love.
Embiid played 68 games in the regular season and scored at an average of around 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Defensively he helped protect the rim with 1.5 blocks and 1 steal per game.
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Embiid leads the league in scoring while standing 5th in rebounds. The heavy production excelled in playoffs as he averages staggering 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists per game against the Raptors.
The possible effect of the injury
Philadelphia team is in control of the series against the Toronto Raptors as they hold a 3-0 lead and need just 1 win to move into the 2nd round. Though Embiid is looking to be part of the 4th game, considering the situation and Embiid’s importance in long run, his minutes will be kept as optimal as possible.
He played with the injury in 2nd half and overtime at Toronto, incredibly he made 3 very important buckets in that very period. The last one proving to be the game-winner. But Game 4 situation and player’s availability will be different.
Megastar needs to be fit for the next series against the winners between top-seed Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. Lastly coach Doc Rivers might devise more guard-friendly plays to avoid risking Joel in any further distress. Will we witness the first sweep on this postseason? Or will Raptors survive the last round? Remains to be seen.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)