Plot thickens as Sixers don't list Joel Embiid out for Game 3 against Celtics

There has been plenty of chatter about Joel Embiid and his chances of returning for the Sixers this season, and those chances seem to have gotten considerably higher on Thursday. Earlier in the day, it was announced that Embiid has been continuing to make progress with his strength and conditioning program and that he participated in some parts of practice.

Nick Nurse expressed hope and optimism during his press conference, but wouldn’t elaborate further than that on any details or timeline.

Then, the official injury report came out later in the day and listed Embiid as doubtful for Friday night’s Game 3 in Philadelphia. Obviously, “doubtful” still means unlikely, but it means there’s a shot. With Joel participating, even in limited amounts, the idea of him returning now can’t be ruled out.

Embiid went in for the emergency surgery on April 9th, so Friday’s Game 3 would mark exactly 15 days. That would be a quick return, but these are the playoffs, and it may be now or never for Joel and the 76ers. Perhaps the Sixers’ surprising Game 2 victory in Boston has sparked some greater urgency and motivation for the former MVP and his team.

Embiid return could massively swing series

While it would still be a surprise if Embiid suits up on Friday, this update gives plenty of promise for Game 4 on Sunday or Game 5 on Tuesday. Now that the 76ers have a win under their belt and have some confidence, it feels like all the pressure has shifted squarely to the Celtics.

The East favorites have now given up homecourt advantage in this series, and if they don’t sweep the games in Philly, they’re staring at a best-of-three series with Embiid possibly returning to action.

The Celtics would still be favorites in that scenario, but it would be way more nerve-wracking than this ever should have had to be. You’re opening yourself up to all kinds of variance, and even if Joel comes back and is a shell of himself, it would probably still be an upgrade over what the Sixers are getting from Adem Bona and Andre Drummond.

It would certainly be enough to change the gamelpan for the Celtics and the line of thinking. And it would put things on edge in a first round that was supposed to be more of a tune-up before the real battles against teams like the Knicks, Pistons, and Cavaliers.

But by blowing Game 2 at home, the Celtics have brought this heat squarely upon themselves. There’s certainly no reason to panic, and I have confidence that these guys will play better with the adversity and come home to Boston with a 3-1 lead. It shouldn’t be an issue regardless of whether Embiid plays or not, but now that we’re here, it has become a sweaty reality.

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