The Philadelphia 76ers are scheduled to play against the Miami Heat in the pivotal Game 3 of the second round on Friday night.
For the 76ers, it’s a must-win.
The team is already down 2-0 against the dominating Heat and if they lose another game, their chances of moving forward are all but gone.
However, if they do secure a victory, it may be without their biggest star.
Joel Embiid is being listed as out for Game 3 before NBA reporting deadline today. Sixers had to report his current status as of now.
Sources tell me he is still making progress and there is hope that he will get cleared to play in Game 3. Joel really, really wants to play pic.twitter.com/BteH4OyEBn
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 5, 2022
On Friday morning, the 76ers listed Joel Embiid as being out for Game 3.
Reporter John Clark was sure to mention that sources say he is making progress and moving in the right direction and that there remains hope he will eventually be cleared to play in Friday night’s game.
According to Clark, Joel “really, really wants to play.”
Can’t blame him for that.
Philly Without Joel
Without Embiid, the 76ers have been something of a mess, to put it politely.
They have easily given up two games to the Heat, losing by double-digits both times.
Many of his teammates have not stepped up in Embiid’s absence.
James Harden‘s offensive struggles have continued and DeAndre Jordan has been a non-issue at center.
Head coach Doc Rivers hasn’t figured out which lineup works against Miami.
He is obviously missing his reliable, go-to big man.
Embiid’s average for the season was 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
His absence from the 76ers has shown just how truly valuable he is to the team.
If Embiid wasn’t a part of this lineup all year, there is little chance they could have gotten as far as they did.
It’s a shame he got injured just as he was really starting to prove himself in the postseason.
NEXT: Tyrese Maxey Is Becoming A Star For The 76ers