If the 76ers are going to close the gap in their playoff series with the Heat to 2-1, they might have to do it without franchise player Joel Embiid.
The Sixers listed Embiid as out for Game 3 on Friday night (7) at the Wells Fargo Center. Embiid missed the first two games, both of which the Sixers lost in Miami, due to a fractured orbital bone and mild concussion. It’s still possible he could play if he clears concussion protocols and the facial fracture progresses.
Home cooking:Sixers looking forward to getting back to Wells Fargo Center
The Sixers miss Embiid, the NBA’s leading scorer during the regular season, the most at the offensive end. The double-teams he draws help create open shots for his teammates.
In the series’ first two games, the Sixers shot just 14 for 64 (.219) without Embiid. James Harden has been unable to carry the Sixers in Embiid’s absence, with Tobias Harris (27 points in Game 1) and Tyrese Maxey (34 in Game 2) leading Doc Rivers’ team in scoring.
They also really miss his presence as an interior force on defense.
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