NBA Insider Addresses Joel Embiid's Potential Second-Round Status

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski offers details about Joel Embiid's injury and potential second-round status.

After a day’s worth of speculation surrounding Joel Embiid’s playing status for Game 4 between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets due to the star center’s infamous kicking of Nic Claxton in Game 3, the big man will miss the game after all, even though the NBA decided they would not proceed with a suspension.

Throughout Thursday night’s Game 3 matchup, Embiid battled with back and knee issues. At one point during the game, Embiid went to the locker room to receive treatment. Although Embiid finished the game, it was clear he was dealing with soreness.

However, the severity of the soreness and what it stemmed from was unclear.

“I’m OK,” Embiid said after the game. “Took a lot of shots today, but I’m fine.”

The following day, Doc Rivers didn’t seem optimistic about how Embiid felt, but the head coach didn’t hint at a potential absence on Saturday.

“I don’t think he’s feeling good,” Rivers added. “He’s on the floor as much as the floor. Every time I looked, he was getting up. I don’t know how he’s feeling yet. We’ll find that.” 

When the Sixers initially released their injury report for Game 4, Embiid wasn’t listed. On Friday night, the big man was downgraded to out as he’s dealing with a knee sprain.

Ahead of Friday’s Game 3 matchup between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke down some details about what Embiid and the Sixers are facing.

“Joel Embiid underwent an MRI today on his right knee back and Philadelphia. Has a sprained right knee. He is out tomorrow for Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets. There’s optimism that Embiid could be back in the lineup as soon as early next week. … If the Sixers can get past the Nets here, there is optimism that Embiid would not miss time in the next round.”

Reporting on Joel Embiid’s right knee sprain for ABC NBA Countdown pic.twitter.com/XNsywtwZoV

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 22, 2023

Game 4 won’t involve Embiid, which forces guys like James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and PJ Tucker to step up. If the Sixers win on Saturday, they’ll complete a first-round sweep over the Nets. A loss would force a Game 5, which would take place on Monday in Philadelphia.

In the event a Game 5 is needed, it seems Embiid’s playing status would be up in the air. While his chances of playing in the second round are high at the moment, the Sixers don’t seem sure whether or not they would have Embiid available in the event that Brooklyn forces additional games.

The good news is that barring a major collapse as a team with the three-game advantage, the Sixers should be second-round bound for the third-straight season. Additionally, it seems their All-Star center is approaching the future with intentions of being available if and when the Sixers book their ticket.