Joel Embiid will play and start in Game 3 of the Sixers‘ first-round Eastern Conference matchup against the Heat, writes Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Earlier today, Embiid had been listed as doubtful for tonight’s game before shootaround.
The Sixers had reportedly been working on a new protective mask for Embiid, as the black mask he has been wearing was not cleared by the league. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne tweets that Embiid’s new and approved mask has built-in protective eyewear mask and is made of carbon and polycarbonate.
Embiid has not played since March 28 when he collided with teammate Markelle Fultz during a home game against the Knicks. The 24-year-old suffered a concussion and underwent surgery three days later for an orbital fracture in his left eye. As Embiid’s recovery progressed — and he cleared the NBA’s concussion protocol before Game 2 — he was still yet to test himself beyond light contact in practice.
Before the injury ended his regular season, the 2017/18 All-Star averaged 22.9 PPG and 11.0 RPG in 63 games for the Sixers. With the series even at 1-1 entering Thursday’s Game 3 in Miami, a healthy Embiid could change the dynamic of the series for Philadelphia.
You see the impact that Embiid has on a game. This team just needs a starting caliber 3. Wonder if they would trade up for Michael Porter Jr. a stud shooter (10 + 26 for the 6 or 7th pick?) or stand pat and see if Mikal Bridges falls to them at #10 who comps to Otto Porter.
Previous trade for #6:
Traded by the New Orleans Pelicans with a 2014 1st round draft pick (Elfrid Payton was later selected) to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jrue Holiday and Pierre Jackson.
Previous trade for #7:
Traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves with Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine to the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton.
Traded by the Boston Celtics with Dan Dickau and Raef LaFrentz to the Portland Trail Blazers for Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair and a 2008 2nd round draft pick (Trent Plaisted was later selected).
THEN….
Traded by the Portland Trail Blazers to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Brandon Roy.
You know who could step in at the 3?
….wait for it….
LEBRON
Need to plan like he’s not coming. Even though that’s Plan A (Plan 1A being PG13), the draft takes place before Free Agency. And while I’ve postulated about the popular Plan B Kawhi trades… don’t really want to give up Fultz/Saric.
The also need to draft a back-up Center like Wagner or McCoy b/c Holmes is gone after next season.
They have 4 second round picks.
Jonah Bolden SF also 50/50 to join the roster next year.
Covington is 1st team all defense at the 3
RoCo is a role player/reserve getting started minutes.