Joel Embiid shockingly could play in crucial Game 3 for 76ers

There is a chance that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will be able to play for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Miami Heat.

The Philadelphia 76ers face an 0-2 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals series deficit to the Miami Heat. In those games, star Joel Embiid was sidelined after he suffered a concussion and an orbital fracture during Game 6 of the team’s first-round series against the Toronto Raptors.

As for when Embiid can be able to return to the team, it could be very, very soon.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, there is optimism that Embiid can play in Game 3 against the Heat on Friday, May 6. Embiid cleared concussion protocol earlier in the day after initially being listed as out for Game 3.

Additionally, Embiid was fitted for a mask and will have to feel comfortable before the game to be activated.

76ers: Joel Embiid has chance to play in Game 3 vs. Heat

This is certainly welcome news for 76ers fans, as the series heads back to Philadelphia. In his absence, head coach Doc Rivers has started veteran DeAndre Jordan in his place.

Embiid was one of many prominent NBA stars to pick up injuries throughout this year’s playoffs. In the first round against Toronto, Embiid suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery whenever the team’s run in the postseason ends. Then, he picked up the orbital fracture and concussion in Game 6 vs. the Raptors.

Through the playoffs thus far, Embiid averaged 26.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 51.1-percent from the field.

UPDATE: According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Embiid will be playing Game 3. Additionally, head coach Doc Rivers said that Embiid could play in limited minutes due to conditioning.