Shaq, Kenny and Chuck debate how effective Joel Embiid will be if he plays in Game 3.
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a historically difficult spot, facing a 2-0 series deficit to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals after Wednesday’s 119-103 loss in Game 2. However, there remains a twinge of hope that Sixers star center Joel Embiid may suit up for Game 3 on Friday (7 ET, ESPN).
Embiid, the league’s scoring champion and a Kia MVP finalist, is recovering from an orbital fracture and concussion and has not played since a series-clinching Game 6 win vs. the Toronto Raptors in the first round.
Turner Sports’ Chris Haynes reported Wednesday during Game 2 that he had a text message exchange with Embiid, who said he is feeling better and, per coach Doc Rivers, will be reevaluated once the team returns to Philadelphia. Embiid told Haynes that Tuesday marked the first day he could use his phone because sensitivity to light was causing the All-Star center pain.
The question going into Friday will revolve around whether Embiid could be ready for Game 3.
“We don’t have a big man right now,” Rivers said after the Game 2 loss.
So, will Embiid suit up for Game 3? That question remains at best an unknown for the 76ers.
“I really don’t know,” Rivers said Wednesday night. “We talked [Tuesday], and we talked [Wednesday]. He looked good, as far as talking. But he’s got so many steps to go through, and I don’t think he’s cleared any of them right now. So we just have to wait and see.”
A decision looms for the 76ers as they hope their star center can suit up for Game 3 against the Heat.
Heat center Bam Adebayo said after Game 2 that he is preparing as if Embiid will play Friday. And Butler, who is close with Embiid from their time together as teammates in Philadelphia, is hoping his MVP pick can play in the series.
“I want to compete against him,” Butler said. “I really do.”
The absence of Embiid has been felt by the 76ers in the playoffs on offense and defense, particularly in the interior. Philadelphia is allowing 45.5 points in the paint in the playoffs, which ranks 10th, and 14.5 second-chance points (11th in playoffs). Conversely, Philadelphia is 10th in points in the paint (44.3) and in second-chance points (12.4).
During the season, Embiid ranked seventh in the NBA in total points scored in the paint (816) and 12th in total second-chance points (203).
Miami has taken a 2-0 lead in 18 previous series, including the first round this season against Atlanta, and won those matchups every time. The 76ers’ franchise has dropped the first two games of a matchup on 19 other occasions, never recovering to win the series.
Game Recap: Heat 119, 76ers 103 (Miami leads series, 2-0)
“I love Joel, but I do not think about Joel every single moment of my life. I’m just being honest with you. But, we are all hopeful that he comes back and can play and we want him to be healthy because we know how good we are with him,” Sixers forward Tobias Harris said.
It isn’t just the absence of Embiid, though, that has hurt Philadelphia in the series. The 76ers were awful again in Game 2 from 3-point range, shooting 8-for-30 in the loss. They’re now 14 for 64 from deep in the series.
“When it comes down to it, you’ve got to make shots, especially when you’re on the road against a really good team,” Sixers guard James Harden said. “It’s pretty simple.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.