Ahead of the team’s opportunity to sweep their first-round opponents, the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers have received some disheartening news. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Joel Embiid has suffered a sprain in his right knee and will miss the potential series clincher.
The injury took place in the third quarter as Embiid contested a drive by Nets’ forward Cam Johnson. After contesting the shot, Embiid tripped over Johnson’s feet and fell awkwardly into the stanchion, grabbing at his right knee almost instantly.
While he did not leave the game, Embiid did display a noticeable limp and experienced difficulty on the court, even more than what the Nets had directly caused.
Who will step up in Embiid’s absence?
Without Embiid, the Sixers will carry on likely on the backs of James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, who have played well through three games. Harden has averaged 17.3 points along with eight assists while shooting 42.9 from beyond the arc, while Maxey, who played the role of the hero in Game 3, has averaged 23.7 points while shooting 54.2% from the field and 53.8 from three.
Despite Embiid’s absence, Game 4 is far from over for the Philadelphia 76ers.
