How will Philadelphia adjust without star center Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid’s postseason list of bumps and bruises kept growing on Friday.
The 76ers announced the All-NBA big man had suffered a right orbital fracture and mild concussion during Thursday’s series-clinching Game 6 win at Toronto. Embiid was injured late in Philadelphia’s victory at Toronto on Thursday night when Pascal Siakam drove and made contact with his left elbow.
Per the team, Embiid will be listed as out for Game 1 of the 76ers’ Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat is Monday (7:30 ET, TNT). Further updates, the 76ers said, would be provided.
In an NBA TV interview following Philadelphia’s series clinching victory, Embiid already seemed to know the severity of the injury.
“I think [Siakam] broke my face,” Embiid said. “I’m serious. I think he broke my face, but it’s all good in the playoffs.”
“I think he broke my face. I’m serious. I think he broke my face, but it’s all good it’s the playoffs.”
Embiid knew it postgame 😕 pic.twitter.com/mfc5As56s4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2022
Embiid averaged 26.2 points on 52% shooting to go along with 11.3 rebounds in Philadelphia’s first-round series against the Raptors. The Kia MVP finalist, already playing through a torn thumb ligament, is hoping to lead the 76ers to their first conference finals berth since 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.