Report: Sixers' Joel Embiid Could Return For Game 3

The Philadelphia star center is sidelined with a orbital fracture

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will reportedly not travel for Games 1 and 2 against the Miami Heat in the second round. 

Embiid could return early as Game 3 according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

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

Last week it was announced Embiid was out indefinitely with a orbital fracture in his right eye. The Heat-Sixers begins Monday in Miami. 

“Joel Embiid suffered a right orbital fracture and mild concussion in last night’s game vs. Toronto," the Sixers released in a statement. "Embiid is out and further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

Embiid sustained the injury when he took an elbow from Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. The All-Star center led the NBA in scoring at 30.6 points a game. 

The Heat are also dealing with the injury, although not as severe as Embiid. On Sunday, they announced guard Kyle Lowry will not play because of hamstring issue. It is third straight game Lowry, who will be replaced by Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup, will miss in the playoffs. He didn't play the final two games in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks. 

There is no timetable on Lowry's return. 

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