76ers' Joel Embiid: Undergoes multiple minor surgeries
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Embiid underwent surgery Monday to repair his sprained right thumb and his left index finger, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Embiid suffered the thumb injury in Game 3 of the second-round playoff matchup against the Raptors, but it was overshadowed by the orbital fracture and concussion the big man suffered during the closeout game of the series. Despite career highs in games played (68) and points (30.6), Embiid dealt with numerous injuries during the 2021-22 campaign, so it's encouraging to see him escape the grueling season without any major setbacks. Per Shams, neither procedure is expected to impact Embiid's availability for training camp, so the MVP candidate should be fully healthy heading into the 2022-23 campaign.
Embiid posted 20 points (7-24 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and one block over 44 minutes during Thursday's 99-90 loss to Miami in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The performance wasn't enough to keep the 76ers' season alive, as the Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after the win. Embiid posted eight double-doubles in 10 playoff games this year, averaging 23.6 points, 10.7 boards, 2.1 assists and 0.8 blocks despite playing through torn ligaments in his thumb and an orbital bone fracture.
Embiid (face) will play in Thursday's Game 6 against the Heat, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.
As expected, Embiid will continue to power through his orbital fracture and torn thumb ligament that sidelined him for the first two games of the series. Since returning, he's averaged 19.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 35.7 minutes.
76ers' Joel Embiid: Modest production in blowout loss
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Embiid recorded 17 points (7-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Tuesday's 120-85 loss to Miami.
Embiid has attempted 13 or fewer field goals in all three contests since returning from a two-game absence due to a concussion and orbital fracture. The MVP candidate attempted a career-high 19.6 field goals per game during the regular season, so it's curious why he's been so passive during the series, though it's worth noting he is wearing a full face shield. Miami's defense also deserves credit, but Embiid is shooting 51.4 percent from the field, so it's not like he's being suffocated. Regardless, the biggest difference in Embiid's box score from Tuesday's loss compared to the two previous wins was the lack of free-throw attempts. Embiid will need to be aggressive in Game 6 if the 76ers hope to avoid elimination.
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76ers' Joel Embiid: Listed questionable again
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Embiid (face) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Game 6 against Miami.
All indications are that Embiid will continue to play through the orbital fracture -- and torn ligament in his thumb -- that sidelined him for the first two games of the series. Nonetheless, the Sixers will list him questionable for the fourth straight game. Embiid, who took another shot to the face in Game 5, finished the 120-85 blowout loss with just 17 points, five rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes.
Embiid (orbital/thumb) is available and will start Tuesday's Game 5 against the Heat.
As expected, Embiid will remain in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 5 as the 76ers look to win a third straight contest against Miami. Over the last two games, the MVP candidate has averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds across 37 minutes per contest.
